Everyone knows KFC as a fast food chain known for its fried chicken, but did you know the real story behind the company and its famous recipe? Here are some surprising facts about the history of KFC:
KFC was founded by a man named Harland Sanders. Sanders was born in 1890 in Henryville, Indiana and had a difficult upbringing. He left school at the age of 12 and worked a variety of jobs before eventually starting a service station in Corbin, Kentucky in 1930. To attract customers, Sanders began cooking and serving food, including his famous fried chicken.
Sanders' fried chicken became so popular that he eventually opened a restaurant called "Sanders Court & Café" in North Corbin, Kentucky. He served a variety of dishes, but his fried chicken was the star attraction. Sanders' restaurant became a popular stop for travelers on the newly constructed interstate highway.
In 1952, Sanders began franchising his restaurant and the KFC brand was born. He developed a "Secret Recipe" of herbs and spices that he used to season his fried chicken, and he trained each franchisee to prepare the chicken in the same way. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day.
KFC faced challenges in the early years of its expansion. Sanders was initially hesitant to sell his franchise to outside investors, and the company struggled with quality control as it expanded. However, it eventually became a household name and is now one of the largest fast food chains in the world.
While KFC is most famous for its fried chicken, the company has also experimented with other menu items over the years. In the 1970s, KFC introduced the "Bucket O' Chicken," which allowed customers to order a large quantity of chicken to go. The company has also offered items such as grilled chicken, chicken sandwiches, and even vegetarian options.
So next time you bite into a crispy piece of KFC chicken, remember the interesting history behind the company and its iconic recipe. Who knew that a service station in Kentucky could become a global fast food powerhouse?