Organpi Farms Farmhouse is gaining a new addition this summer. The farm to table restaurant is adding a cigar bar equipped with various kinds of flavors, strengths and sizes.

Dr. Portia Fulford, Organpi Farms Farmhouse owner, said the cigar bar reintroduces the once popular tobacco industry.

“The idea behind the cigar bar is to promote a resurgence of the industry of tobacco in Alabama,” she said. “Alabama was once a very large scale tobacco grower.”

Organpi, located at 1010 Water Ave., will hosts its opening for the cigar bar June 16 at 6 p.m.

The staff will help guests select the perfect cigar for them according to their preferences.

“We help you select [a cigar] according to size, strength and taste,” she said.

The guests will then smoke their cigars on the back deck of the restaurant overlooking the Alabama River.

“The goal is to attract tourists, not only to the city, but also increase the luxurious services that are provided on Water Ave.,” she said.

Fulford said the restaurant has served guests from all over the world, and she is delighted to provide a higher end service to her international clientele.

Not only does she see the potential the cigar bar offers for out-of-town guests, she also sees the potential it brings to local citizens.

“It adds a vision of what we can be,” she said. “It causes a different feel for the city than one of just poverty and strife.”

Fulford is helping to combat the poverty rate here in the community by creating jobs for local people. 

“We create a lot of jobs through what we do on our farms,” she said. “We do hire Selmians to work in our restaurant and our bar will be ran by people from Selma.”

In addition to the opening of the bar, fathers will also have a chance to enjoy the Father’s Day Cigar and Cognac Brunch at the restaurant Sunday, June 17 at 11 a.m. There will be specials on drinks and cigars for guests.

The summer hours for the restaurant and cigar bar are Thursday- Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight, starting June 21.