Manna Grocery & Deli Owner Frances Drennen Retires, Passes Torch To Daughter

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Longtime business owner Frances Drennen is retiring from Manna Grocery & Deli after more than four decades serving natural foods to Tuscaloosa.

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Frances Drennen co-founded the family-owned store in 1980 with her husband, Earle Drennen.

The store announced that the couple’s daughter, Anna Drennen, has stepped in as co-owner alongside the existing management team.

Frances Drennen said the decision marks the end of a long chapter but the beginning of a new one for the business.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community,” Drennen said. “What started as a small family venture became something much bigger because of our loyal customers and dedicated staff. I’m proud to pass the torch to Anna, who brings fresh ideas and the same deep commitment to our community and mission.”

Frances and Earle Drennen first began promoting natural foods in west-central Alabama in 1972 when they opened Harmony Natural Foods on The Strip, at the current site of Club Twelve25.

Considered unusual at the time, the store’s offerings included homemade whole-grain bread, microgreens grown in the front windows, house-made tofu and bulk legumes and grains.

The couple sold Harmony in 1977 and moved to Boulder, Colorado, with plans to open a natural foods store there.

After finding the need was already being met in the Boulder community, the couple returned to Tuscaloosa to continue their mission of promoting healthy living.

On April 29, 1980, the Drennens opened Manna Grocery & Deli on 15th Street, offering many of the same organic and natural products featured in their first store.

The business quickly developed a reputation as a pioneer in Alabama’s natural foods movement, with its composting bins and a small garden outside the building.

By 1989, the store had outgrown its original location and relocated to its current home on McFarland Boulevard.

Over time, Manna expanded its grocery offerings and developed a full-service deli that became one of Tuscaloosa’s most popular lunch destinations.

Under Frances Drennen’s leadership, the beloved store grew into a community hub known for nutritional supplements, natural and organic foods, and educational outreach about healthy living.

The business also launched charitable initiatives benefiting local schools, nonprofits and food banks.

After Earle Drennen’s death in 2023 at the age of 76, Frances Drennen began planning for the future of the business.

In January, Anna Drennen officially joined as co-owner.

Anna Drennen recalled growing up around the store, often doing homework in the deli while her parents finished their workday.

She later worked at Manna for six years while completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Alabama.

Anna Drennen has spent the past two decades working in higher education operations and project management at universities across the country before returning to Tuscaloosa.

“As co-owner, my goal is to build on the foundation my parents created,” she said. “We’ll continue to prioritize quality products, education and exceptional customer service while exploring new ways to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

As part of those efforts, the store plans to introduce a new customer loyalty program and expand its online presence.

The ownership transition became effective Jan. 1.

Frances Drennen will remain involved in an advisory role to help guide the transition.

Manna Grocery & Deli will also celebrate the milestone with a customer appreciation week March 23–28 featuring in-store tastings, gift basket giveaways and the launch of the store’s new loyalty program.

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