• by Barbie Romero , October 23, 2024

Their holding company created the first radio jungle in 1936 and surprisingly opened the first Olive Garden back in 1982. Keep reading to learn more about the surprising history of this CPG conglomerate. 

• In concert with the University of MN, General Mills created the Black Box.

• There have been nine Betty Crocker portraits since their inception in 1936.

• General Mills created the first radio jingle. ‘Have you tried Wheaties?’ performed by a barbershop quartet-style in 1926. 

• Unlimited breadsticks anyone? General Mills opened the first Olive Garden in 1982 (over a decade after acquiring Red Lobster). 

• Pillsbury developed Space Food Sticks for NASA in the 1960’s. A ‘non-frozen balanced energy snack in rod form containing nutritionally balanced amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Laying the foundation for energy bars, they were available in caramel, chocolate, malt, mint, orange, and peanut butter flavors. 

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