FAIRHOPE, Alabama — After more than 50 years in the grocery store business, Tommy Cain is ready hang up his proverbial apron.

Owner of T. Cain Grocery Inc., Cain, a native of Montgomery and now a resident of Daphne, who at one time owned six Cain’s Piggly Wiggly Cost Plus Stores, has been transitioning over the last several months to turn over the operation of his four remaining stores to Danny Manning, owner of Food For Less Stores in Mobile. The transaction was set to be completed on Nov. 14.

In 1965, Cain followed in the footsteps of his uncles, and his father, Leon Cain, starting in the grocery business at age 15. Cain moved with his family to Mobile in the 1960s, opening his first store in Loxley in 1989.

From the original 8,000-square-foot facility, Cain’s Piggly Wiggly Cost Plus grew to eventually include six locations. His second store opened in Foley in 2001; his largest store, at 55,000-square feet, is located in Fairhope, where he maintains an office. He also has another store in Baldwin County, in Spanish Fort.

Two additional stores, one in Mary Ester, Florida, and the Cain’s B&H in Mobile, which was one of his father’s original IGA stores in the 1960s, were sold about a year ago, Cain said.

In turning over the operation to Manning, Cain said, he has the assurance that the stores will be run the same way that have been run under his management. All four stores will also maintain the Cain’s Piggly Wiggly Cost Plus name, he said.

“Nothing is going to change,” Cain said, “the only difference is I won’t be in the office on a daily basis.”

Earlier this year, Cain celebrated his 50th year in the grocery store business. At the same time, he turned 65.

Cain said Manning has also agreed to take over his charity work. Over the years, Cain has given to over 40 organizations, including local public and private schools, along with charity organizations, such as Ecumenical Ministries and Catholic Social Services, which is closely tied to his church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Robertsdale.

Cain retired in 2014 as vice president of the advisory board for Catholic Social Services, a position he held for more than 23 years. He has also been active over the years with the Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the South Baldwin, Central Baldwin and Eastern Shore chambers and was named Central Baldwin’s Man of the Year in 2014.

Cain said he plans to spend more time traveling with his wife Sharon and enjoying time with his family.

“My dad lived to be in his 90s,” he said, “so I figure I have maybe 30 good years left. We have been so blessed to have been able to give back to the communities that we serve and we don’t owe anybody anything. I just want to go and enjoy the rest of my life.”