If you’ve read our previous articles, you’ll know that cheese dip, cheese dogs, fried pickles, chocolate gravy, and possum pie are some of the foods that have roots in Arkansas. But did you know that brown-and-serve dinner rolls were created here as well? Yep, folks, this dinner staple that has saved us hours in the kitchen, was invented right here in Arkansas. Read on to discover more about this little-known Arkansas invention that’s enjoyed around the world.

If the name Charles Meyer doesn't ring a bell, after reading about his invention, you'll know exactly who he is. In 1911, at the age of 22, he began his career as a baker by opening his first bakery in Little Rock Arkansas.
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Originally known as American Bakery, Meyer's Bakery quickly grew and became a staple in the industry. Much of its success came after adopting the technology for brown-and-serve rolls.
little-known Arkansas invention
mauri212/Flickr
At first, the idea was met with some skepticism, as Meyers questioned if a homemaker would ditch baking fresh rolls and opt for a half-baked, store-bought version instead.
Annie Spratt/Unsplash
If you've ever baked bread from scratch, you know it can be a tedious process, so it wasn't a surprise when the brown-and-serve rolls became a success.
little-known Arkansas invention
U.S. Pacific Fleet/Flickr

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Homemakers loved the idea of spending less time baking fresh rolls...and I don't blame them a bit.
Pepperberryfarm/Flickr
Due to its success, Meyer's Bakery became a household name, owning four baking plants that served over 40 states. Unfortunately, because of financial setbacks, the company was eventually sold to various bakeries around the country.
JL7978/Flickr
Though Meyer's Bakery is no longer around, many brands have adopted brown-and-serve rolls. This means that these delicious rolls have been on dinner tables of folks all over the world, especially during the holidays and on special occasions.
Steve/Flickr
You can find the doughy goodness at your local grocery store or at your favorite neighborhood Walmart. So, the next time you pick up a bag of brown-and-serve dinner rolls, remember that it was invented right here in the great state of Arkansas.
Walmart Neighborhood Market - La Puente/Facebook

Are you proud that the brown-and-serve roll was invented right here in our state? It’s another little-known Arkansas invention that puts us on the map. Folks around the world have indulged in these rolls and will continue to do so for centuries to come.

Of course, the dinner roll isn’t our only creation, check out some more Arkansas inventions that might surprise you. Wanna learn more about our great state? If so, start by visiting these landmarks in Arkansas to discover more interesting and fun facts.

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