Organpi Farms, located on Water Avenue., has changed its hours and is ready for business. The farm to table restaurant has reopened its doors after months of being closed and owner and farmer, Dr. Portia Fulford could not be happier. Not only is she happy, but so are local customers. After being closed for months while Fulford traveled and worked, customers were wondering when the restaurant would reopen its doors.

“I am so excited; this has been very special,” she said. “It is an honor to be harassed by Selmians that demand your presence, and hold you accountable to what you started.”

Although the restaurant was in high demand, multiple customers reached out to Fulford about the hours. Their concern was that the restaurant closing at 3 p.m. was too early, and people leaving work at 5 p.m. would not be able to dine in the restaurant after work.

Fulford listened, and the new hours allows the restaurant to cater to the lunch, dinner and late night crowd. The hours are now Thursday- Saturday 11 a.m. until midnight.

Longtime friend and customer Teonia Morris, said she was one of those impatient customers that could not wait until the restaurant reopened for the summer.

“When [Fulford] said she was coming back for summer I kept calling,” Morris said. “I was really excited.”

Morris said the food is one of a kind and even after dining in places all over the world, the freshness and flavors of the food at Organpi is to be rivaled.

“This is my boyfriend. This food is my boyfriend,” Morris said. “It’s a taste I’ve never had before and I’ve eaten plenty of places.”

She said the city has a lot of fast food restaurants, and their processed foods often have negative effects on the body, but Organpi offers something healthier.

“This is what we need. This is what we’re missing,” Morris said.

The support and love is mutual between the two. Fulford explained how Morris’ years of loyalty is special to her and she is blessed to know such a wonderful person.

“She’s truly the most loyal, the most uplifting, lovable beautiful person,” Fulford said.

The passion and love Fulford puts into each plate is a direct reflection of her love for farming and food. She partners with local farmers for the produce, thus providing fresh and healthy food options to the community.

“It’s all about the quality of the food,” Fulford said.

Last Saturday, the new cigar bar in the restaurant opened. Customers now have the option to purchase cigars and smoke them on the back deck of the restaurant overlooking the Alabama River. New and old customers joined Fulford in the cigar bar opening, and she said it was a huge success.

“It was an honor to have so many people around and support the business,” she said.

Fulford said the restaurant provides a safe, fun, laid back place for local citizens to come and enjoy some healthy eats.