Colonel Sanders: The Legacy of KFC's Culinary Pioneer

In 1939, Colonel Harland Sanders perfected his iconic blend of 11 herbs and spices, creating the renowned KFC fried chicken recipe. Born on September 9, 1890, Sanders mastered a variety of regional dishes by age seven, showcasing an early culinary prowess. By the age of forty, he owned a service station, motel, and café in Kentucky. In 1956, Sanders sold his Corbin, Kentucky, restaurant to focus on expanding his business by enlisting new franchisees.

By 1964, Sanders’ dedication transformed his humble beginnings into a thriving franchise network, with 600 outlets across the United States and Canada. This growth culminated in KFC being listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1971, highlighting its significant impact on the fast-food industry.

Colonel Sanders passed away in 1980, leaving behind a legacy that continued to evolve. In 1994, KFC expanded its menu in the US and Australia to include non-fried chicken options, catering to changing consumer preferences and solidifying its position as a global fast-food leader. Today, KFC remains a testament to Sanders’ entrepreneurial spirit and culinary innovation, continuing to serve millions of customers worldwide.
Colonel Sanders: The Legacy of KFC's Culinary Pioneer

Colonel Sanders of KFC

Colonel Sanders of KFC
KFC story began at the turn of last century, when a young boy, Harland Sanders, became an accomplished cook through ‘family necessity’.

He spent considerable years doing casual work and serving in the United States Army, where he received the title ‘Colonel.’

Anyway, at age forty, Colonel Sanders purchased a service station, motel and café in a small town in Kentucky.

Over the next ten years he tried different seasonings to flavor his chicken.

From this experimentation evolved ‘his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices and the basic cooking technique which is still used today’.

He sold the business when the town was bypassed by a highway.

He then travelled the United States by car, cooking chicken for restaurant owners and their employees.

If the reaction was favorable Sanders entered into a handshake agreement in a deal which stipulated a payment to him of a nickel for each chicken the restaurant sold.

By the age of sixty five the Colonel had 600 Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise outlets dotted across the United States and Canada.

This as 1964, the year is which he sold the American business for $2 million , leading to another rags to riches story.
Colonel Sanders of KFC

History of Kentucky Fried Chicken

History of Business
In 1939 Colonel Harland Sanders perfected the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices of fried chicken. Colonel Sanders was born on September 9, 1890. He masters range of regional dishes by age of seven.

By age forty, he bought a service station, motel and café at Kentucky. In 1956 Colonel Sanders sold Corbin, Kentucky, restaurant and enlist new franchisees. 

By 1964, from humble beginning, Colonel Sanders had 600 franchise outlets for his chicken across United States and Canada. 

In 1971, it was listed on New York Stock Exchange.Colonel Sanders dies in 1980. In 1994 KFC adds non-fried chicken to menus in the US and Australia.
History of Business