Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is one of the most iconic fast-food chains in the world, known for its fried chicken. Here’s a detailed history of the brand:
Early Years
1930s:
Founder: Harland Sanders, born in 1890, began cooking and serving food for travelers at his service station in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression.
The Recipe: Sanders developed his famous secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices in 1939.
1940s:
The Pressure Fryer: In 1940, Sanders perfected the pressure frying method, which allowed the chicken to cook faster while retaining moisture and flavor.
Sanders Court & Café: Sanders expanded his business to include a motel and restaurant, which he called Sanders Court & Café.
Franchise Model
1950s:
First Franchise: In 1952, Sanders franchised his fried chicken recipe to his friend Pete Harman, who operated a restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. Harman coined the name "Kentucky Fried Chicken."
Growth: By 1956, Sanders had sold his operations and began traveling the country to sell his chicken recipe to other restaurant owners.
National and International Expansion
1960s:
KFC Corporation: In 1964, Sanders sold the KFC corporation to a partnership of Kentucky businessmen led by John Y. Brown, Jr., and Jack Massey for $2 million. Sanders retained control of operations in Canada.
International Expansion: KFC began expanding internationally, with outlets opening in Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Jamaica.
1970s:
Public Company: KFC went public in 1966 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1969.
Acquisition: In 1971, KFC was acquired by Heublein, a packaged food and drink corporation.
Modern Era
1980s:
Sanders' Death: Colonel Harland Sanders died in 1980, but he remains a key figure in KFC's branding.
Acquisitions: Heublein was acquired by R.J. Reynolds in 1982, and KFC was sold to PepsiCo in 1986.
1990s:
Yum! Brands: In 1997, PepsiCo spun off its restaurant division, creating Tricon Global Restaurants, which was later renamed Yum! Brands, Inc. KFC became part of this new company, alongside Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
2000s:
Menu Expansion: KFC expanded its menu to include items like chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, and side dishes.
Global Reach: By the early 2000s, KFC had thousands of locations worldwide, becoming a global fast-food giant.
2010s-Present:
Rebranding: KFC has focused on rebranding and modernizing its image, including revamping its restaurants and marketing campaigns.
Innovations: KFC continues to innovate with new menu items and technological advancements in customer service and delivery.
Cultural Impact
Colonel Sanders: The image and persona of Colonel Sanders remain central to KFC’s identity. His likeness is still used in marketing and branding.
Pop Culture: KFC has become a significant part of global fast-food culture, known for its distinctive taste and iconic bucket packaging.
Today, KFC operates in over 150 countries, with more than 24,000 restaurants worldwide. The brand continues to be a leader in the fast-food industry, consistently adapting to changing consumer preferences and global trends.
5 сен 2024
