The Story of KFC’s Founder

The secret recipe behind KFC’s success

Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, had a fascinating journey in the world of business and fried chicken. He was born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, USA. Sanders started his career in the food industry at a young age. In 1930, he started serving meals and selling fried chicken at a gas station he operated in Corbin, Kentucky.

His chicken’s popularity grew. He expanded his operation into a restaurant called “Sanders Court & Cafe.” Sanders unique recipe, which involved a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, quickly became popular among customers. In fact, his fried chicken became so desirable that in 1940, he was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky.

The success of his restaurant led Sanders to franchise his concept. The first KFC franchise was opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952. Sanders traveled across the country, convincing restaurant owners to join the growing KFC brand. During his travels, Sanders faced numerous rejections, but he persevered. He continued to improve his cooking methods and recipe, and by 1964, KFC had over 600 franchises across the United States and Canada.

In 1969, at the age of 75, Sanders sold KFC to a group of investors for $2 million but remained a public face of the company as a brand ambassador. He continued to travel and promote KFC until his death in 1980. Today, KFC is a global fast-food phenomenon, known for its fried chicken and recognizable logo. Colonel Sanders’ entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality food laid the foundation for the success and worldwide recognition of the KFC brand.