The Grey Mule Wine Saloon reopened its doors for business on April 21 with a full house of attendees. New owner, Michel Duforat, says the establishment served over 80 people, which exceeded his expectations for a soft opening.

“I was so surprised by all the people who came out for our first day,” began Duforat. “There were even people standing outside the door before the event started. We are very grateful for all the support we have been receiving from this community. From day one there has been so much encouragement — that’s what makes Fort Stockton such a great community. The soft opening was a great success and we are still planning our grand opening.”

During the event, local musician Al Haney provided additional ambience with his flute and saxophone performances.

When asked about his current ambitions for the Grey Mule Wine Saloon, Duforat said they will be rolling out their extended food menu this week:

Tuesdays they will serve quiche lorraine, Wednesdays they will serve croque-monsieur, and “Taco Thursdays” they will serve shrimp tacos.

“This week we will also premiere our finest wines,” explained Duforat. “This is a special selection of wines that you cannot taste on a regular basis; they will be sold only by the bottle. But to celebrate we will have a special wine tasting at 6 p.m. on Friday for whoever wants to come and attend.“

If the exquisite foods and exclusive wine-tasting isn’t enough to fill your calendar, Duforat announced a Mother’s Day event Saturday, May 7 and a fund raiser for his son, Christopher Duforat, on Saturday, May 14 at 3:30 p.m.

The fundraiser will be in support of a shoulder surgery for Christopher and there will be free cheeseburgers, a live auction, raffle and more.

“Mother’s Day I’ve got something very special planned,” he revealed. “We’ll be serving what I call ‘Michel’s Passion Cocktail’ and it will 50% for all the mothers. Each of them will have a little surprise, but if they want to know what the surprise is — they will have to come and see us.”