Contents
- A Rich Legacy of Tradition
- A Freshly Roasted Peanut Paradise
- Sweet Temptations
- Southern Hospitality
- Community Connection
- Peanut Nostalgia and Memorabilia
- Contact Information
- Wrapping it all up
Nestled in the heart of Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile, Alabama, lies a hidden gem that has been tantalizing taste buds for decades and generations of families. The A&M Peanut Shop, a beloved establishment since 1947 is a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. With a rich history, an array of delectable treats, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, A&M Peanut Shop captures the essence of southern hospitality while delivering a delightful culinary experience.
This article will take a closer look at this iconic small business institution and uncover the secrets behind its enduring popularity.
A Rich Legacy of Tradition
A&M Peanut Shop has a rich legacy that dates back to 1947. The shop was established in 1947 in a nearby location of downtown Mobile as part of a retail chain owned by Planters Corporation. It soon relocated to 209 Dauphin Street, a prime location in downtown Mobile. In 1949, Mr. Albert Reynolds started to manage the Planters store at 209 Dauphin Street. When Planters began to sell most of its retail stores in 1963, Mr. Reynolds, purchased the business and named the peanut shop after himself and his wife with the initials A & M. What started as a modest storefront soon grew into a beloved institution. The shop for the most part has remained family-owned and operated. After the death of Mr. Reynolds, their daughter Deborah took it over in the early 1990’s to operate. The time-honored recipes and techniques from one generation to the next and commitment to tradition is evident to this day.
Ms. Deborah sold the establishment in 2018 to a long time A&M Peanut customer. She remains on staff as a consultant and can be found dishing out the same roasted peanuts and treats as she and her father did over the years.
There are only a few Peanut Shops in the United States that remains from yesteryear that still makes freshly roasted peanuts and handcrafted confectionaries.
We are fortunate to have A&M Peanut Shop still in operation in Mobile, Alabama and to make freshly roasted peanuts as it was done years ago.
A Freshly Roasted Peanut Paradise
A&M Peanut Shop’s vintage 100 year old plus Planters peanut roaster is a sight to watch and hear as the belt driven roaster shakes and turns fresh raw peanuts inside its tumbler churning mouthwatering hot roasted peanuts. The smell of these awesome roasted peanuts lures customers inside this iconic institution.
At the heart of A&M Peanut Shop’s success is its exceptional selection of assorted mixed nuts, pecans and peanuts. From jumbo cashews, salted peanuts to flavored varieties, there is something to suit every palate. Customers can choose from an assortment of flavors tantalizing their taste buds with each bite. The shop also offers a variety of nut mixes, allowing visitors to create their own personalized blend.
Sweet Temptations
While peanuts may be the star of the show, A&M Peanut Shop also satisfies sweet cravings with an impressive range of confections. The shop offers an assortment of candies, including nostalgic favorites and unique treats that are hard to find elsewhere. Some of the confections includes Oreo Balls, Chocolate Meltaways, Homemade Peanut Cluster, Coconut Haystacks, Peanut Caramel Turtle, and Cashew Caramel Turtle. I selected the Coconut Haystack and my wife the Oreo Balls. Both were out of this world! Whether you have a sweet tooth or a penchant for savory delights, A&M Peanut Shop has something to satisfy every craving.
Southern Hospitality
One of the most endearing aspects of A&M Peanut Shop is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Stepping into the shop feels like taking a step back in time, with its vintage decor and friendly staff. The knowledgeable employees are always ready to offer recommendations and engage in friendly conversation, making each visit a memorable experience. The shop’s commitment to exceptional customer service is a testament to the genuine southern hospitality that Mobile is known for.
We were graciously greeted by Ms. Deborah’s smiling face as we entered A&M Peanut Shop. Watching her fill the vintage Planter’s roaster with raw peanuts was an awesome once in the lifetime experience for us. Her knowledge and experience is something that cannot be replaced by modern technology and the newest equipment coming down the pipeline.
Community Connection
A&M Peanut Shop has deep roots in the local community. Its evident by its repeat customers who come daily to purchase roasted peanuts to munch on or confectionary to indulge in. A&M Peanut Shop is an integral part of Mobile’s cultural fabric.
Peanut Nostalgia and Memorabilia
A&M Peanut Shop has tons of Planters Peanuts memorabilia in addition to its 100 plus year old belt driven Planters peanut roaster.
The shop is like stepping back in time with memorabilia lining up its walls.
The Mr. Peanut scales is a reminder of yesteryear when Planter’s Peanuts abounded and everyone knew Mr. Peanut!
Contact Information
Location: 209 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL, 36602
Phone: (251) 438-9374
Hours: CONFIRM WITH A&M PEANUT SHOP BEFORE VISITING
Saturday 9 AM–6 PM
Sunday 11 AM–5 PM
Monday 9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–6 PM
Thursday 9 AM–6 PM
Friday 9 AM–6 PM
Wrapping it all up
A&M Peanut Shop is more than just a shop; it is a cherished institution that embodies the spirit of Mobile, Alabama. With its rich history, delectable treats, and warm hospitality, it continues to captivate the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
Take your children and grandchildren to A&M Peanut Shop. Let them learn from history, see memorabilia and watch raw peanuts turn into roasted peanuts right before their eyes. Let them become wowed as they see the numerous kinds of candy and sweets available row after row. They will learn how peanut and candy shops long ago played an important part in the life of towns all across America as they experience this once in a lifetime experience.
Whether you’re a peanut enthusiast, a confectionary connoisseur, or a lover of nostalgia memorabilia, A&M Peanut Shop is the place to visit in downtown Mobile, Alabama.
Before you leave make sure you check out my 2 other posts “An Awesome Day Trip: 3 of Mobile, Alabama’s Must-See Historic House Museums
” and “16 Fun Things to Do in Mobile, Al.”
