The August 3, 2011, strip mall fire on Boston Post Road in Milford reached beyond the stores that were destroyed by flames. It was easy to understand why recently-opened Mustang Sally’s Saloon, across the driveway from the mall, had to close as well. Even two weeks later, the smell of smoke is pervasive in the mutual parking lot.

But, as owner Dennis Jordhamo says on the saloon's website, “You can’t keep a good cowboy down.”

The restaurant will reopen on Friday, Aug. 19with drink specials and entertainment. Posted on his Facebook page, Jordhamo writes, “Hello everyone, I just wanted to keep all of you up to date regarding the clean up process. We are moving along very well. There was a crew there most of the day yesterday and another will be in tomorrow. We will Re Open on Friday Aug 19th at 4 pm I have confirmed that Ghost Riders will be playing and we will have our Happy Hour going from 5-7pm So I hope to see you all on Friday !! Thanks for all the Help and support."

Besides smoke damage from the fire, the restaurant suffered water damage from the recent rainstorms, according to the Facebook page.

But the owner is working steadily to swing open the doors Friday -- and his regular customers are anxiously awaiting their chance to resume karaoke and line dancing.