How KFC started Full Story
Have you ever wondered how that crispy, delicious KFC chicken became so famous? The story of how KFC started is like an American dream come true – full of ups, downs, and buckets of fried chicken! Today we’re going to explore the full story of how KFC started from a simple gas station kitchen to becoming one of the most recognizable fast food brands in the world. Get ready for a tasty journey through history!
The Humble Beginnings: How KFC Started in a Gas Station
The story of how KFC started begins during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Harland Sanders, who we now know as Colonel Sanders, was a 40-year-old man running a small service station in Corbin, Kentucky. To make extra money, he began cooking meals for hungry travelers in the back of the station. His special fried chicken quickly became the star attraction!
At first, Sanders served his chicken at a small dining table that could only seat six people. But word spread fast about this amazing fried chicken. Soon people were driving from miles around just to taste it. This was the very first step in how KFC started its journey to becoming a global phenomenon.
- 1930: Sanders starts serving meals at his gas station in Corbin, Kentucky
- 1936: Kentucky Governor honors Sanders with the title “Colonel” for his contributions to state cuisine
- 1937: Sanders expands his operation to a 142-seat restaurant across the street
- 1940: Perfects his “Original Recipe” of 11 herbs and spices
The Secret Behind the Recipe: How KFC Started a Flavor Revolution
What made Colonel Sanders’ chicken so special was his top-secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. The exact recipe remains locked in a vault at KFC headquarters to this day! But we do know some interesting facts about how KFC started using this magical mix:
- Sanders spent nearly 10 years experimenting with different spice combinations
- The original recipe included common spices like pepper and salt along with more unusual ones like MSG
- The chicken is pressure-fried, which makes it extra crispy while keeping the meat juicy
- Only a handful of people in the world know the exact recipe today
The Franchising Boom: How KFC Started Spreading Across America
By the 1950s, Sanders was ready to take his chicken to the next level. This is when how KFC started becoming a national brand. At age 65 (when most people retire!), Sanders began traveling across the country by car, cooking his chicken for restaurant owners and convincing them to sell it under the name “Kentucky Fried Chicken.”
His first franchise partner was Pete Harman in Salt Lake City, Utah. Harman came up with the brilliant idea of packaging the chicken in paper buckets – and the iconic KFC bucket was born! Within just five years, there were over 600 KFC franchises across the U.S. and Canada.
| Year | Milestone | Number of Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | First franchise opens in Utah | 1 |
| 1957 | KFC introduces the first bucket meal | 100+ |
| 1964 | Company sells for $2 million | 600+ |
| 1971 | Becomes part of PepsiCo | 3,500+ |
KFC Goes Global: How KFC Started Conquering the World
The story of how KFC started expanding internationally is just as fascinating. In 1965, KFC opened its first international location in England. But the real global explosion came in the 1980s when KFC entered China. Today, China has more KFC locations than the United States!
What’s amazing about how KFC started in different countries is how it adapted to local tastes. In Japan you can get KFC chicken with teriyaki sauce. In India they serve a spicy “Hot & Crispy” version. And in Germany, you can enjoy your chicken with beer!
- 1965: First international KFC opens in Preston, England
- 1987: KFC becomes the first Western fast food chain in China
- 1990s: KFC introduces vegetarian options in India
- Today: Over 24,000 KFC restaurants in 145 countries
Colonel Sanders: The Face Behind How KFC Started
No story about how KFC started would be complete without talking about the man himself – Colonel Harland Sanders. Even after selling the company, he remained the face of KFC until his death in 1980 at age 90. Here are some fun facts about the Colonel:
- He began working at age 10 to support his family
- The white suit he wore became his trademark look
- He appeared in over 200 KFC commercials
- At age 75, he sued KFC for $122 million (they settled out of court)
KFC Today: How the Brand Keeps Innovating
From how KFC started to where it is today, the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Some modern innovations include:
- KFC gaming consoles (yes, really!)
- Solar-powered restaurants
- Plant-based chicken options
- Fully automated locations with robot cooks
The secret to KFC’s lasting success? While they’ve introduced new items over the years, they’ve never changed the Original Recipe that started it all back in that Kentucky gas station.
Frequently Asked Questions About How KFC Started
1. How old was Colonel Sanders when KFC started becoming successful?
Colonel Sanders was in his 60s when he began franchising KFC in 1952. He proved you’re never too old to follow your dreams!
2. Why is it called Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The name comes from both the state where it originated (Kentucky) and the cooking method (fried). In 1991 they officially changed the name to just “KFC.”
3. How many secret herbs and spices are in KFC chicken?
There are 11 secret herbs and spices in the original recipe. The exact formula remains one of the best-kept secrets in the food industry.
4. What was KFC’s first menu item besides chicken?
At the original Sanders Court & Café, Colonel Sanders also served steak, ham, and his famous “Sunday Dinner” which included chicken with all the fixings.
5. How much did Colonel Sanders sell KFC for?
In 1964, at age 74, Sanders sold the company for $2 million (about $16 million today). He remained the company’s spokesman until his death.
6. What’s the most unusual KFC menu item ever created?
In 2019, KFC released a “Chicken & Donuts” sandwich in the U.S. and a “Cheese Top Burger” in Japan that had melted cheese covering the entire burger!
