Wanting to expand, he bought a small bakery, Jack's Cookie Company.
They moved back to Chattanooga in the early 1950s when Cecil King, Ruth's brother, was in poor health and needed help.
McKee, took over, but retired from day-to-day operations in September 2012 and retains the position of company chairman.
[11] Little Debbie products are available in most discount, grocery, and convenience stores, both in boxes and as individually wrapped items.
[12] The original image of Debbie used on packaging and advertising, which began on August 23, 1960, was based on a black-and-white photo.
[16] From sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, known as the Sabbath, the Little Debbie logos are covered or removed, and the crew wears non-Little Debbie attire as a condition of sponsorship because McKee Foods was founded and is run by owners who are Seventh-day Adventists.
Their mascot is Webster, a smiling drake (a male duck) holding a spoon and wearing a chef's hat and neckerchief.
Products sold under the Fieldstone Bakery brand include whole grain snacks, granola, pastries, and cookies.
[21] Sunbelt Bakery products include a variety of granola bars, fruit snacks, and cereals.
[22][23] The company previously sold granola cereals and pie crusts under the Heartland brand.