Kevin L. Green
Dutch Mill Buffet, 8500 South State Road 3, Milroy, officially reopened for business last week.
A sneak-peak ribbon cutting was held Monday and the Amish-style restaurant began serving customers with a host of specials Tuesday.
The southern Rush County business first opened in June 2007.
The effort was, in large part, the brainchild of John Schmidt, one of the primary owners.
John grew up in northern Indiana. He and his family subscribed to a traditional Amish lifestyle. An older brother was building furniture in Nappanee and John and a younger brother decided to open a furniture store.
Thus, Swiss Heritage Trading Company opened just south of Milroy.
In 2003 plans were made for a restaurant to be located next door to Swiss Heritage.
As mentioned, the new restaurant, Dutch Mill Buffet, opened in June 2007. By the end of the year business was picking up as word spread throughout the region and various individuals and groups were patronizing the business for lunch, dinner, banquets, meetings and rehearsal dinners.
Things were going well until the night of March 5, 2008 when, shortly after midnight, the Anderson Township Fire Department was notified that a passerby had observed smoke coming from the restaurant.
The Anderson Township volunteers, with the assistance of other fire departments, battled the blaze for more than three hours.
The situation was made worse by a steady wind that fanned the flames and made getting an upper hand on the blaze more difficult for responders.
Eventually, however, firefighters were able to douse the conflagration, but not before most of the restaurant had been completely destroyed or heavily damaged.
The cause of the blaze was officially ruled undetermined but foul play was not suspected.
That was then, this is now.
A new building has been constructed. New equipment has been put into place. Much is the same as it was, with a few changes included to enhance patrons’ dining experience.
You’ll find that a full menu buffet is still featured at Dutch Mill, but customers can also order from a wide range of menu items as well. There’s also a salad and desert bar.
Prices are similar to what they were prior to the fire and subsequent temporary closing.
In addition, special events like gospel sings, bluegrass performances and other musical acts, euchre tournaments, car shows, buggy rides and a picnic area are now in the works.
Also, interested customers can contact Dutch Mill management for tent rentals in the event an even larger space is needed.
Customers are encouraged to dine in or carry out. Catering is also available.
Rush County’s newest restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
For more information or to make reservations, which are not necessary but are appreciated for large groups, call 765-629-2465 or toll-free at 1-877-8521.
