Fans of Alabaster’s Po Folks Express on Highway 31 during the next few weeks will notice several changes to the relatively new eatery.

The buffet-style restaurant will be closing for about a week around Oct. 1 as the establishment remodels in preparation for a new, expanded menu and a different type of dining atmosphere, according to restaurant manager Richard Brock.

“We just want people to know we aren’t going anywhere if they drive by and see we’re closed,” Brock said. “We will be shutting down for about a week beginning around Oct. 1.

“When we reopen, we will offer a full menu and a full-service type of restaurant,” Brock added. “Instead of having the buffet-style restaurant like we do now, we will be offering table service instead.”

The redesigned restaurant will be the only full-service Po Folks Express in the country, and will offer a menu filled with country cooking items from fried chicken to steak.

“Our Po Folks Express concept was a prototype when it opened, so this will be the only one like this in existence,” Brock said.