LOGANSPORT — Ken Wescott believes that to keep a small business going, changes must be made over the years.

“We’ve tried to expand and update when we could,” he said. “I think it’s important to update in order to keep up with the times.”

Wescott, who co-owns the Dutch Mill with Melinda Maloy, said he had been wanting to add a beer garden for three to four years.

Wescott has owned the business for nine years.

“Finances and time haven’t been on my side until now,” he said.

Last year, Wescott finally decided to take the plunge and began working on renovations.

“A lot of people don’t like to sit inside because of all the smoke,” he said. “I’m hoping to bring new people in, especially ones who may have left before because of the smoke.”

The work started with a stage area and a new fence. The new addition is located in an area the owners were not previously using, which was a computer shop at one time.

“Everything else has been done in the last several weeks,” he added. “I wanted to get it opened early enough, rather than waiting until mid-summer, when it is hot outside.”

Wescott decided to use metal tables for a classier look, he said. He also installed half of the bricks and received help with the other half.

In addition, the walls surrounding the outdoor area were covered with steel siding.

A new window opening was installed in the front of the beer garden so he can open a bar outdoors when entertainment is performing. A new digital jukebox will be added soon.

Wescott also hopes the outdoor space will attract those who don’t care for the karaoke on Saturday night.

The owner would like to hold an open mic night in the beer garden at least every other week. Another goal includes the possibility of a wireless Internet connection for laptops. He would also like to set up a game of corn hole outside and possibly expand his food menu.

“I don’t know if I will do that or not yet,” he said. “It depends on how well this goes.”

Wescott is even willing to add new beers to his selection, depending on how many requests are made for a certain type. Over the years, based on customer requests, he has slowly introduced more imports.

Even though most of the hard work is completed, Wescott said he still needs to install more lighting near the stage area.

In the past nine years, Wescott said several other changes have been made. The business has expanded on the inside, the restrooms were completely renovated and moved to a new location.

A second parking lot was also added.

“I’m thinking this will probably be the end to our expansion,” Wescott smiled. “Sometimes you can get too big and expand too much.”

The owners will celebrate with a grand-opening celebration on June 18. The band Damrell will perform at 8 p.m., and there will be a $3 cover charge. Wescott added there would be items given away during the grand-opening celebration.

The bar owner hopes to see new people stop by as well as old patrons.

“The key to being a bar owner, you have to pick up new people or the bar will slowly wither away,” he said.

Looking over his completed work, Wescott is pleased.

“It finally came together,” he said. “It feels good and looks totally different out here with the tables.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com

Name: Dutch Mill

Address: 101 Burlington Ave.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday; opens at noon Sunday.

Phone: 574-722-9894

Grand-opening celebration: June 18 with the band Damrell performing at 8 p.m.

Cost: $3 cover charge.