KFC - Our Heritage | KFC
KFC
Our

Heritage

The Colonel Sanders story

1890
humble beginnings

Humble beginnings

Harland Sanders is born in Henryville, Indiana. He spends his early years making his way around the southern states, trying his hand working as a steamboat pilot, railroad fireman and farmer.

1930
the big 40

The big 40

When Harland turns 40, he buys a roadside motel in Corbin, Kentucky and begins serving his southern style chicken.

1939
top secret

Top Secret

Finally, the Colonel perfects his unique blend off 11 herbs and spices that are still used today... and still top secret

1950
iconic

Iconic

The Colonel dons his iconic white suit for the first time and from then on, wears one every time he's out in public.

1952
first franchise

First franchise

The first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opens near Salt Lake City, Utah.

1956
on the road

On the road

Colonel Sanders sells his Corbin, Kentucky restaurant and goes on the road to sign up new KFC fanchisees.

1957
the original bucket

The original bucket

Say “bucket of chicken” and you think KFC®.The original KFC® bucket from 1957 has now come to be recognized worldwide.

1964
time to step back

Time to step back

As a network of franchises grows across the USA, the Colonel feels it's time to slow down, and sells the KFC Company to investors.

1976
celebrity status

Celebrity status

The Colonel is named the 2nd most recognisable celebrity in the world after an independent survey.

1980
a legend passess

A legend passes

After a rich and full life, Harland Sanders sadly passes away at the age of 90. His legacy lives on through his Original Recipe chicken and the company logo adapts over the years, with the Colonel's face remaining at the forefront of the design.

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