The owner of a popular Black Hawk steakhouse plans to reopen the business by July 29.

Mary Arch appeared before the Meade County Commission July 7 to apply for two retail on-off sale beverage licenses for Mad Mary's Steakhouse. One was a malt beverage license, and the other was for wine. The commission quickly and unanimously approved both applications.

The vacant building has been on the sale block for 2 ½ years. "I've had interested buyers, but nobody could get the financing," Arch said. She said insurance costs increased considerably because the building was unoccupied.

One of Arch's nephews with restaurant experience took interest in the building. She said the Wonderland Homes resident is helping her.

Arch, who lives in Pierre, said the business will be easier to sell once it is operating. She has owned the Mad Mary's Steakhouse in Pierre for 10 years.

She said she could not manage both restaurants at once, so she chose the one closer to home.

"It was always a dream of mine," Arch said of her earliest foray into the restaurant business. "I found a place in Pierre that fit my décor and dreams."

Arch purchased the Black Hawk restaurant from her brother in 2001. It was then known as the Cattleman's Club Steakhouse.