Sweet Chipotle Catering and Event Center is putting the finishing touches on its latest improvements.
Patrick Miller, owner of Sweet Chipotle, said his business finally has the opportunity to complete a project years in the making.
"We're adding a breezeway walkway in between our two buildings here," Miller said. "And then we're also adding a deck-slash porch with our smokers and covering our smokers and our walk-in cooler as well on the backside."
The build combines the business' kitchen and banquet center into one entity. Miller said he always wanted to be able to take food from his kitchen into Chipotle's banquet center, however, due to limited funds, initial construction for this project was halted.
"We have the space. We had the holes cut there (for doors) for when we built everything. We ran out of money. And then finally we have enough money to pay for that again now," Miller said. "It was supposed to be done three years ago but then COVID hit."
Miller's company made the decision to save funds, halting future projects, to maintain the Sweet Chipotle business. Many businesses, including restaurants, were affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the nation's subsequent lockdowns. He explained his company decided to save to offset any potential losses during this time.
Miller said Sweet Chipotle is finally getting everything covered. Construction for the walkway between the banquet center and kitchen is removing fencing and adding windows to make one whole building. He confirmed construction on the addition will conclude early next week at the latest.
"We're just trying to make it as beautiful as we can over here," Miller said. "For a long time, I've been wanting to get rid of that tacky fence. It was just a money issue, you know. Like in any small business, you got to make sure you're financially stable to keep on going..."
Democrat photo/Kaden Quinn
Sweet Chipotle Catering and Event Center owner Patrick Miller prepares to complete his latest project for his business.