For months, outdoor dining has been the saving grace for businesses trying to safely serve their customers during the pandemic. As winter sets in, many say outdoor seating is not an option.

Copper Crow Distillery owners Curtis and Linda Basina are used to being trailblazers.

"My wife and I are both members of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians," Curtis said. "We are the first native-owned distillery in the United States."

After the repeal of federal law, Copper Crow became the first Native-American owned distillery in the area in 2018.

In the spring, they offered curbside pickup, but it wasn't enough to make ends meet.

"I think more of the issue with the supply chain being interrupted was that we didn't have the necessary cash flow to be able to purchase a lot of the raw materials," Curtis said. "We went into the spring with very little cash reserves."

Sales did not turn around until they added an outdoor patio.

"It was a pretty interesting summer, and we're going into an even more interesting winter because we'll still be outdoors," Linda said. "We will have hot drinks for customers to enjoy, we've got the fire pits to keep them warm, but it will be a challenge."

As winter sets in, the Basinas are finding new ways to keep people safe, while also keeping them warm.

"It's a learning curve every day. Something different. Something new," Curtis said.

By creating a warm drink menu and adding socially-distanced fire pits, they are doing what they can to continue serving the community.

"So far the community has been very supportive," Linda said. "A lot of folks that are local have been coming out, and we're so thankful for that."

Copper Crow is keeping spirits alive as they adapt to another season of the pandemic.

While drinks are only served on the patio, customers can shop inside for Copper Crow Distillery merchandise. All customers are asked to wear a mask before heading inside.

Click here to view Copper Crow Distillery's hours and location.

To watch a video version of this report and see related stories, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website.  https://kbjr6.com/2020/12/03/native-owned-distillery-determined-to-serve-outdoors-all-winter-long/