BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alabama Retail Association has named Jaime Thursby, owner of Alabama Peanut Co., as the Bronze Alabama Retailer of the Year.

What began with a $20 turkey fryer and a small batch of boiled peanuts at a local makers market has grown into a thriving retail brand with two locations in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Thursby and his team have revived a Southern staple, offering more than 100 rotating boiled peanut flavors, antique barrel-roasted peanuts, locally branded merchandise, and a beverage program featuring craft beer and classic sodas.

From the start, innovation has fueled Alabama Peanut Co.’s growth. Thursby introduced the South’s first “peanut bar,” complete with Sylacauga adorned marble countertops, creating a space for customers to snack, sip, and socialize. They also launched “peanut flights,” a fun and shareable way for visitors to sample multiple flavors in a single visit.

“Retail, at its best, blends tradition and innovation,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “Jaime’s creativity, resilience, and vision embody what it means to be an Alabama Retailer of the Year.”

Its flagship store preserves a historic Birmingham landmark while serving as a welcoming space for locals and tourists alike. The company employs 20 people and regularly hires and mentor young staff to teach them hands-on skills in customer service, merchandising, food production, and business operations.

Beyond the two storefronts, Alabama Peanut Co. has expanded its reach through its website, allowing customers across the country to enjoy its roasted peanuts and branded merchandise. They have also partnered with grocery stores, breweries, and specialty makers across Alabama to distribute their products more widely.

“Looking ahead, our goal is to expand thoughtfully—through retail growth, wholesale partnerships, and national distribution—while staying rooted in the quality, community, and culture that define us,” explained Thursby. “We aim to make Alabama Peanut Co. a household name across the South and beyond.”

For more information about Alabama Peanut Co., visit  www.alabamapeanut.com.