He eventually became a traveling salesman which meant he ate in restaurants across the USA -- well before fast food chains. At age 55, Hines and his wife Clara sent a list of over 100 recommended establishments to their friends as a Christmas present. Then Hines self-published it as "Adventures in Good Eating," an expanded list of recommended restaurants. (This is all a bit before Yelp and TripAdv
isor.) Hines' books grew very popular. Eventually most Americans had his food and lodging books in their cars for quick reference. "Recommended by Duncan Hines" became a nationally-recognized seal of approval. Then Hines and Roy Park formed Hines-Park Foods, Inc. They produced over 250 canned, bottled and boxed products featuring the Duncan Hines label. Later, they merged with Procter & Gamble. Within a short time Duncan Hines introduced cake mixes, which endure today. Hines died just before his 79th birthday. In 2004, Pinnacle Foods Group LLC acquired the Duncan Hines brand. Today, Duncan Hines offers over 80 different sweet baked-good mixes ranging from cakes and brownies to muffins and cookies, as well as ready-to-spread frosting. Every product and recipe is developed in celebration of Duncan Hines' inventive spirit and passion for baking.
