KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken Facts
KFC

Whether you’re a fan of their chicken or not, there’s no denying that KFC is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world. With its roots dating back to the 1930s, the company has a long and interesting history. It is known for its fried chicken and its signature green and red logo. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, KFC has been serving up their famous fried chicken to customers since the 1930s.

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Video: Vintage 1969 Kentucky Fried Chicken KFC Commercial

KFC’s menu features a variety of chicken dishes, as well as salads, sides, and desserts. The restaurant’s signature dish is its original recipe fried chicken, which is made with 11 herbs and spices. Other popular menu items include the Kentucky Grilled Chicken, the Extra Crispy Chicken, and the Colonel’s Crispy Strips.

So, how did it all start? It wasn’t always fried chicken and famous logos. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the history of KFC.

Colonel Harland Sanders was born in 1890 in Henryville, Indiana. He was the oldest of three children and was orphaned at an early age. Sanders began working when he was just a boy, taking on a variety of odd jobs. When he was 16, he started working as a farmhand and then later as a railway worker.

KFC

In 1906, Sanders moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he got his first job in the food industry as a dishwasher. He eventually worked his way up to become a cook and then a restaurant manager.

The Early Years: 1930-1939

KFC was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1930. The Colonel began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky. He used a pressure cooker to fry the chicken, which reduced the cooking time from 30 minutes to just 9 minutes. Sanders named his restaurant “Kentucky Fried Chicken” and began franchising his chicken restaurant in 1952.

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KFC – The 60s: Expansion Across the Globe

KFC experienced rapid growth in the 1960s. The company expanded across the United States and Canada. In 1964, KFC became a public company on the Stock Exchange. The same year, Sanders sold the company to a group of investors led by John Y. Brown, Jr. for $2 million.

In 1967, KFC opened its first international restaurant in England. The company continued to expand internationally throughout the 1970s and 1980s. By the end of the 1980s, KFC had locations in over 30 countries.

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KFC – The 90s and Beyond

In 1991, KFC was acquired by PepsiCo, Inc. for $3.3 billion. PepsiCo spun off its restaurant business in 1997, creating the publicly traded company Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., which later changed its name to Yum! Brands, Inc. In the early 2000s, KFC began to focus on expanding in emerging markets such as China and India.

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KFC has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Kentucky. The company is now one of the largest fast food restaurant chains in the world. With over 25,000 locations in 145 countries, there’s a good chance you’ve had a taste of the Colonel’s famous chicken. KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that KFC is a fast food legend.


KFC in Pop Culture

KFC has also left an indelible mark on popular culture. The character of the Colonel, with his iconic white suit and black string tie, has been parodied in countless television shows and movies. The chain’s catchphrase, “finger-lickin’ good,” has become synonymous with the brand and is recognized around the world.

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One of the most interesting facts about KFC is its unique blend of 11 herbs and spices, which is used to season their chicken. The recipe has been a closely guarded secret since the company’s inception, with only a handful of people having access to it at any given time. In fact, the original recipe is stored in a high-security vault at KFC’s headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.

Despite facing criticism over their menu choices and nutritional value, KFC continues to be a popular choice for fast food consumers around the globe. With new menu items and promotions released regularly, the chain shows no signs of slowing down. From its humble beginnings in a small Kentucky town, to its status as a global fast food powerhouse, KFC has earned its place in both culinary and pop culture history.


To find your nearest KFC, please click the Colonel below:

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16 responses to “KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken Facts”

  1. William Olmstead Avatar
    William Olmstead

    I ate KFC for about 50 years as a loyal customer not long ago I got a bucket 12 pieces and fries and salads it was supposed too be a treat once I got home I proceeded too eat I was discussed thoroughly it was overcooked and so greasy my cat would not even eat it. So about 6 months go by I thought I’d try it again I got a 4 piece snack the descents pieces that you used to get are literally cut in half now they charge you way more less amount of chicken I know a lot of people around here saying the same thing so I think now they are going too and already have lossed many customers in this area and I am one of them for sure I used too get it 2 or 3 timesa week for many years now I don’t even bother so they have.not came a long way because it disgusts me how they treated they’re loyal customers

    1. blah blah Avatar
      blah blah

      Cats hate greasy food.

    2. Myrna Campbell Avatar
      Myrna Campbell

      We ate KFC growing up in the 60’s, 70’s and loved that chicken, then moved to a smaller town where there was no FKC available. In 2000 one opened for a few years but everyone kept getting sick from the food and it was closed down. In 2020 another one opened and it was bad too, the chicken was so small and so greasy and they were the most expensive fast food restaurant in our town. Whenever I ask my friends where they want to go grab a bit they all say, “Anywhere but KFC!” 🙁 What happened to the chicken we knew and loved?

  2. Diva Avatar
    Diva

    Their chicken is not seasoned like before. They say 11 spices. It’s only two now.😡

  3. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    It is absolutely disgusting! Used to love it in the 70’s and even into the 80’s but now…. BARF!

  4. Drew Maslack Avatar
    Drew Maslack

    GREED GREED THE MORE THEY CHEAT THE LESS YOU NEED

  5. M.H. Avatar
    M.H.

    It’s no coincidence that everything Yum! Brands owns is inedible.KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell are all revolting versions of food that only the most clueless eat. All turned into cheap crap by corporate greed.

  6. Rich Avatar
    Rich

    I was a loyal and happy KFC customer from the sixties to about the nineties. Sadly, the chicken is inedible now. Greasy slop not fit for animals. So sad. I still stop by once every couple of years in hopes of finding a franchise with some pride.

  7. […] can’t go wrong with this southern combination. Fried bologna, fried eggs and country grits with butter! Sprinkle with salt and black […]

    1. William J Kline Avatar
      William J Kline

      I make my own fried chicken in the oven with my own spices. All spice, garlic, flour, salt, pepper, and onion power all mixed in a gallon bag put chicken in the bag and mix well. Put 4 Tablespoons of butter in an oven proof pan in the oven at 425 degs put chicken in upside down for 30 minutes then turn and leave in oven for 15 minutes more. My wife and I love this better then KFC.

  8. Danny Avatar
    Danny

    I like there chicken, but pieces are getting smaller. I use to eat there 3 or 4 times a month, now down to once

  9. Bonnie Avatar
    Bonnie

    I was also a loyal customer since the 60’s. I am so upset by what this company has done to the products. They do cut the pieces in half. The seasoning is not like it was originally. They always had the pixie coleslaw and Mac and cheese salad. Not any more. We would get a bucket dinner once a month but sadly the products they sell are awful and we are no longer customers and will never return.

  10. Joe king Avatar
    Joe king

    I remember in the early 90s you tell there was a definite shift in the taste and quality of kfc and taco bell. Thats probably when they were bought by pepsi and pepsi started producing the food with all the preservative crap they put in it now which makes it horrible and not near as good as it was before. I remember the taste difference being very noticeable and thinking something was very wrong with it. Now all the pieces fit!

  11. John hampton Avatar
    John hampton

    If you looking for a place to eat chicken I recommend Lee’s chicken in Danville Kentucky. Family owned makes kfc SICK! And there buffet on Sunday is awesome. Take home is good to .

  12. Jeff Wilson Avatar
    Jeff Wilson

    KFC Smyrna ,de. Is awful stay far away eat a hotdog you will be better off.

  13. stormymaverick Avatar

    Pick Me!

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