Ophelia’s Flower Shop on the south side of the Fayette square fully opened up on Monday with a new sandwich counter. Hungry patrons can now enjoy cold sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads, baked goods, charcuterie plates, and beverages.

Working as a full-service florist since October, bouquets were created in the back workshop while construction was ongoing on the main section of the building. Now, the business is relatively complete, with a sandwich counter open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Owners Jeni Mae and Michael Soha saw a steady lunch rush on Monday when the new lunch counter debuted. The menu even features kids’ lunches with a special place just for kids near the sandwich counter.

An avid fan of Shakespeare, Jeni said she named the business “Ophelia’s,” after a character in Hamlet. The decision came to her seven years ago while working as a wholesale florist in upstate South Carolina. She was driving a van through winding mountain roads and thought, “one day, I could accidentally drive off this mountain into a creek and die covered in flowers.” In the play, Ophelia handed out flowers before drowning herself in a creek after going mad.

While somewhat macabre, the name fit. Jeni originally opened the flower shop in downtown Columbia before the COVID-19 pandemic. After that, she sold flowers out of a van and ran pop-up events. It was during one of those events at Gold Apple, a few doors from where Ophelia’s now operates, that she met Kati Flaspohler, who with her husband, Frank, owns the building that was being vacated by The Attic. Fayette’s longtime flower shop, Paisley Bowtique, had just closed down, and the timing was right. 

Jeni sold flowers out of the back of the store while the front was undergoing renovation. 

Now that the buildout is finished and the sandwich counter is up and running, the Sohas hope to add more evening workshops to their business. Jeni currently operates “Houseplant Killers Anonymous.” The space is even available to rent out for parties and other events, with the food supplied by Ophelia’s. Other planned events will feature pop-ups with vendors and live music, complete with wine and beer.

The lunch counter will soon feature grab-and-go items. Those wanting to order to-go items may do so by calling (660) 248-0700. The same number may be used to order flowers. Customers can also order flowers online at opheliasplantsandflowers.com.