Canned biscuit and roll dough was invented in the South in 1931, when Lively Willoughby of Louisville, Ky., at Ballard & Ballard Company, patented the pressurized foil sleeve process that Pillsbury later merchandised.

When did General Mills acquire Pillsbury?

Pillsbury Company, former American flour miller and food products manufacturer that was acquired by its rival, General Mills, in 2001. Both companies were headquarted in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Who owned Pillsbury before General Mills?

In 1889, Pillsbury and its five mills on the banks of the Mississippi River were purchased by a British company. The company also tried to purchase and merge with the Washburn Crosby Company (a precursor of General Mills), but the principals at Washburn prevented the takeover.