West Alabama Piggly Wiggly Owner Named AL Grocers Association's Retailer Of The Year

TUSCALOOSA, AL — B&W Foods Inc. Co-Owner Jimmy “Jay” Welborn Jr. has been named the 2026 Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Grocers Association.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Welborn's company operates Piggly Wiggly stores in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Haleyville and Phil Campbell.

The Retailer of the Year award is one of the association’s highest honors, recognizing grocery leaders who demonstrate excellence in store operations, community involvement and commitment to the industry.

A lifelong Tuscaloosa resident and graduate of The University of Alabama, Welborn grew up in the grocery business and credits his work ethic and values to his late father, Jimmy Welborn Sr., and his late mentor, Ronnie Baker.

B&W Foods’ opened its first location in Northport in 1998 and expanded into a seven-store operation across West Alabama. Under Welborn’s leadership, the business was praised for its focus on fresh food, strong local partnerships and consistent community engagement.

“This recognition is truly about our people,” he said. “Our employees are the face of every Piggly Wiggly we operate, and they are the reason our stores succeed. I’m incredibly grateful for the hard work, dedication and pride they bring to our company every day. We wouldn’t be where we are without each and every one of them.”

The Alabama Grocers Association cited Welborn’s leadership, investment in his employees and long-standing commitment to the communities he serves as key factors in naming him Retailer of the Year.

Welborn will be formally recognized during the association’s 2026 annual awards program.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.