History of KFC in Timeline
"KFC Corporation, widely recognized as KFC, is a prominent American fast food chain known for its signature fried chicken. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, it ranks as the second-largest restaurant chain globally, following McDonald's. With over 30,000 locations across 150 countries as of April 2024, KFC operates as a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, which also owns renowned chains like Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
1930: Sanders Opens His First Restaurant
In 1930, during the Great Depression, Harland Sanders started his entrepreneurial journey by taking over a Shell filling station in North Corbin, Kentucky. This marked the humble beginnings of his culinary career, where he began serving his now-famous fried chicken and other dishes to travelers.
1936: Sanders Becomes an Honorary Kentucky Colonel
In recognition of his growing success and contributions to the community, Harland Sanders was bestowed with the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel by Governor Ruby Laffoon in 1936.
1937: Expansion of Sanders Court & Café
In 1937, Sanders expanded his restaurant to accommodate 142 seats and acquired a motel across the street, naming it Sanders Court & Café. This expansion reflected the growing popularity of his fried chicken and entrepreneurial spirit.
1939: Sanders Adopts Pressure Frying
Driven by his desire to reduce cooking time while maintaining the quality of his fried chicken, Sanders purchased a commercial pressure cooker in 1939. He ingeniously modified it into a pressure fryer, revolutionizing his cooking process and setting a new standard for fried chicken preparation.
July 1940: Creation of the "Original Recipe"
July 1940 marked a pivotal moment when Colonel Sanders finalized his legendary "Original Recipe" of 11 herbs and spices, a closely guarded secret that continues to tantalize taste buds worldwide.
1950: Sanders Embraces the "Colonel" Persona
After receiving his second Kentucky Colonel commission in 1950, Sanders decided to fully embody the persona. He grew a goatee, donned a white suit and string tie, and began referring to himself as "the Colonel." This iconic image became synonymous with KFC, contributing to the brand's recognition and appeal.
1952: First KFC Logo Introduced
In 1952, KFC unveiled its first logo, featuring a "Kentucky Fried Chicken" typeface alongside an image of Colonel Sanders. This step solidified the brand's visual identity and helped establish its presence in the market.
1952: First Franchise Agreement
In 1952, Sanders took a significant step in expanding his business by franchising his recipe to his friend Pete Harman, who owned a restaurant in South Salt Lake, Utah. This marked the beginning of KFC's franchise model.
1952: First KFC Franchise Opens
In 1952, the first "Kentucky Fried Chicken" franchise opened its doors in Salt Lake City, Utah, marking a pivotal moment in the company's expansion and the popularization of chicken in the fast-food industry.
1955: Interstate Bypass and Franchise Expansion
When the construction of Interstate 75 in 1955 bypassed his restaurant, Sanders seized the opportunity to focus on franchising his recipe. He traveled across the US, partnering with restaurant owners and spreading the reach of his fried chicken.
1956: Introduction of Early KFC Slogans
KFC introduced its first official slogans in 1956, emphasizing hospitality with phrases like "North America's Hospitality Dish" and "We fix Sunday dinner seven nights a week." This marked the beginning of KFC's focus on branding and messaging.
1957: Introduction of the Iconic Bucket
Franchisee Pete Harman introduced the "bucket meal" in 1957, featuring 14 pieces of chicken, five bread rolls, and a pint of gravy served in a cardboard bucket. This innovative packaging solution became a distinctive symbol of the KFC brand.
1957: Birth of "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and "It's Finger Lickin' Good"
In 1957, Don Anderson, a sign painter hired by Harman, coined the memorable name "Kentucky Fried Chicken," while Harman himself trademarked the iconic slogan "It's finger lickin' good." These branding elements played a crucial role in establishing KFC's identity and appeal.
1962: Dave Thomas' Rotating Bucket Sign Innovation
Dave Thomas, in 1962, revolutionized KFC's visual advertising by transforming Colonel Sanders' bucket into a rotating sign. This iconic design became a staple outside almost every American KFC outlet, boosting the chain's visibility.
1963: KFC Becomes the Largest Fast Food Operation in the US
By 1963, KFC had expanded to 600 restaurants, making it the largest fast food chain in the United States. This achievement cemented its position as a leader in the industry and a formidable competitor to hamburger-centric chains.
1964: KFC Sold to Investors
Facing the challenges of rapid expansion, Colonel Sanders sold KFC to a group of investors led by John Y. Brown Jr. and Jack C. Massey in 1964. This marked a turning point for the company, transferring ownership from its founder to a new era of management.
1964: Colonel Sanders Sells KFC
In 1964, Colonel Harland Sanders sold KFC to a group of investors led by John Y. Brown Jr. and Jack C. Massey for US$\2 million.
1964: KFC Expands Beyond the Atlantic
In 1964, KFC made a strategic decision to expand its franchise operations internationally, choosing the United Kingdom as its gateway to Europe.
May 1, 1965: First KFC in the UK
On May 1, 1965, KFC opened its first restaurant in the United Kingdom, marking the brand's entry into the European market. The restaurant, located in Preston, Lancashire, continues to operate to this day.
1966: KFC's Foray into Television Advertising
KFC made a significant move in 1966 by investing US$4 million in television advertising, marking its entry into nationwide campaigns and reflecting the company's growth and ambitions.
1969: Introduction of the Collectramatic Fryer
In 1969, to address the challenges of rapidly frying chicken to meet increasing customer demand, Winston L. Shelton invented the "Collectramatic" pressure fryer. This invention, praised by KFC's then-vice president of purchasing, Fred Jeffries, for its contribution to the company's expansion, featured precise time and temperature controls and a self-filtering system while maintaining Colonel Sanders' standards.
1969: KFC Hires Leo Burnett as First National Advertising Agency
In a strategic move to enhance its brand presence, KFC brought Leo Burnett on board as its first national advertising agency in 1969. This partnership marked a shift towards more sophisticated and widespread marketing efforts.
1970: KFC Reaches 3,000 Outlets
By 1970, KFC had expanded significantly, reaching 3,000 outlets across 48 countries.
1970: The Collectramatic Fryer Controversy Begins
In 1970, a conflict arose surrounding KFC's approved pressure fryers. While Colonel Sanders endorsed the new Collectramatic, CEO John Y. Brown Jr. favored the older, albeit riskier, L S Hartzog fryer. Brown even threatened franchisees with contract violations for using the Collectramatic. This dispute persisted until Heublein's acquisition of KFC in 1972, which led to the contract's nullification and the Collectramatic's official approval.
1970: KFC Arrives in Ireland
Pat Grace secured a franchise agreement with KFC and opened the first KFC restaurants in Ireland in 1970, starting in Dublin's Phibsboro shopping centre. This expansion marked KFC's entry into the Irish market.
July 1971: KFC Sold to Heublein
In July 1971, John Y. Brown Jr., who had previously purchased KFC from Colonel Sanders, sold the company to the Connecticut-based Heublein for US$\285 million.
1972: The Collectramatic Fryer Becomes Approved Equipment
After a period of controversy and conflicting opinions within the company, the Collectramatic pressure fryer became approved equipment for KFC in 1972. This resolution followed Heublein's purchase of KFC, which ended the previous contract disputes.
1972: Launch of the "Get a Bucket of Chicken, Have a Barrel of Fun" Jingle
Leo Burnett, KFC's advertising agency, launched the catchy "Get a bucket of chicken, have a barrel of fun" jingle in 1972, performed by Barry Manilow. The jingle became a memorable part of KFC's advertising campaign.
1976: KFC Becomes a Leading Advertiser in the US
KFC's aggressive advertising strategies paid off by 1976, propelling the company to the forefront of advertisers in the US. This achievement solidified KFC's position as a major player in the fast-food industry.
1980: Colonel Sanders' Death
Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC, passed away in 1980. Despite his death, he remains a prominent figure in the company's branding and a symbol of hospitality.
1980: Death of Colonel Harland Sanders
Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, passed away in 1980. His legacy as a prominent figure in American cultural history continues to influence KFC's branding and advertising.
1980: Death of Colonel Sanders
Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of KFC, passed away in 1980. At the time of his death, KFC had grown to an estimated 6,000 outlets worldwide.
1982: Heublein Acquired by R.J. Reynolds
In 1982, Heublein, the owner of KFC at the time, was acquired by R.J. Reynolds, a major tobacco company.
July 1986: Reynolds Sells KFC to PepsiCo
In July 1986, R.J. Reynolds, which had acquired Heublein (previous owner of KFC), announced the sale of KFC to PepsiCo for US$\850 million.
November 1987: KFC Enters Chinese Market
KFC made a significant move in November 1987 by opening its first outlet in Beijing, China, marking the chain's entry into this major market.
1987: KFC Enters China
KFC achieved a significant milestone in 1987 by becoming the first Western restaurant chain to establish a presence in China. This strategic move paved the way for KFC's remarkable growth in the Chinese market, which has become its largest globally.
1990: Launch of "Hot Wings"
KFC launched "Hot Wings" in 1990, a new product that would become a popular item on the menu.
1991: KFC Officially Adopts Abbreviation
While already widely known by its initials, KFC officially adopted "KFC" as its name in 1991, moving away from "Kentucky Fried Chicken" in an attempt to distance itself from the negative connotations of "fried."
1992: Introduction of Popcorn Chicken
KFC introduced "Popcorn Chicken" in 1992, adding another successful product to its menu.
1993: Debut of the "Zinger" Sandwich
In 1993, KFC launched the "Zinger," a spicy chicken fillet sandwich, in international markets.
1994: KFC's Growth and Expansion
By 1994, KFC had experienced significant growth, with 5,149 outlets in the US and a total of 9,407 outlets globally, employing over 100,000 people.
August 1997: PepsiCo Spins Off Restaurants Division
In August 1997, PepsiCo decided to spin off its restaurants division, which included KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, into a separate publicly traded company called Tricon Global Restaurants.
1999: Discovery of Alleged Secret Recipe Notes
In 1999, a couple who had purchased Colonel Sanders' former house claimed to have found handwritten notes that they believed to be the secret KFC recipe.
2001: KFC Drops Lawsuit Over Recipe Notes
While KFC initially attempted to sue the couple who claimed to have found Colonel Sanders' secret recipe notes to prevent an auction, the company dropped the lawsuit in early 2001, stating that the notes were not the authentic recipe.
May 2002: Tricon Renamed Yum! Brands
In May 2002, Tricon Global Restaurants, the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, underwent a name change and became Yum! Brands.
2002: Publication of "Fast Food Nation"
Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation", published in 2002, brought to light criticisms surrounding the fast-food industry, including concerns related to animal welfare, obesity, and environmental impact. This publication contributed to growing public awareness of these issues.
2003: PETA Begins Protesting KFC's Poultry Suppliers
PETA, in 2003, initiated protests targeting KFC's poultry suppliers globally, criticizing their animal welfare practices. This marked the beginning of a long-running campaign against KFC's sourcing choices. The exception to this was KFC Canada, which committed to using "animal-friendly" suppliers.
2004: Release of "Super Size Me"
Morgan Spurlock's documentary "Super Size Me" premiered in 2004, further fueling concerns about the fast-food industry's impact on health and well-being. The film's focus on McDonald's had ripple effects across the entire fast-food sector.
2006: Greenpeace Accuses KFC of Sourcing Soy from Deforested Amazon Areas
Greenpeace leveled accusations against KFC Europe in 2006, claiming the company sourced soy for its chicken feed from Cargill. Cargill had been implicated in deforestation practices within the Amazon rainforest to cultivate soy, raising concerns about KFC's environmental impact.
2006: Expiration of "Finger Lickin' Good" Trademark
The iconic "finger lickin' good" slogan, used by KFC since 1956, saw its trademark expire in the US in 2006. This marked the end of an era for a slogan that had become deeply ingrained in popular culture.
2008: Yum! Addresses Animal Welfare Concerns
Following years of criticism and pressure from organizations like PETA, Yum! Brands, KFC's parent company, acknowledged its responsibility to ensure ethical treatment of animals within its supply chain in 2008. They pledged to monitor their suppliers to address concerns about animal welfare.
2009: Launch of Krusher/Krushem Beverages
In 2009, KFC introduced the Krusher/Krushem line of frozen beverages. These drinks, featuring "real bits" like Kit Kat, Oreo, and strawberry shortcake, became available in over 2,000 KFC outlets.
2010: KFC Australia Airs Controversial Cricket-Themed Commercial
A 2010 KFC Australia commercial intended for local audiences sparked controversy in the United States for its perceived racial undertones. The ad, featuring a cricket fan sharing KFC with rivals, was deemed by some in the US to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Black people. KFC Australia stated that the commercial was misinterpreted and that they condemned discrimination.
March 31, 2011: Priszm (KFC Canada) Files for Bankruptcy Protection
On March 31, 2011, Priszm, the company that owned and operated KFC restaurants in Canada, filed for bankruptcy protection in Ontario and British Columbia.
May 2012: Greenpeace Raises Concerns Over KFC's Food Packaging Sourcing
In May 2012, Greenpeace accused KFC of using paper pulp from Indonesian rainforests for its food packaging. Independent tests revealed that some packaging contained over 50% mixed tropical hardwood fiber, traced back to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a company linked to deforestation. KFC maintained that a majority of their paper products were sustainably sourced, and their suppliers were working to make it 100%.
December 2012: KFC China Faces Backlash Over Supplier Practices
KFC faced a major scandal in China in December 2012 when it came to light that several of their poultry suppliers were using growth hormones and excessive antibiotics in violation of Chinese law. This revelation sparked significant consumer backlash and raised concerns about food safety.
2012: International Rollout of "KFC AM" Breakfast Menu
KFC expanded its menu offerings in 2012 by starting to roll out the "KFC AM" breakfast menu internationally. This menu included items like pancakes, waffles, porridge, and, of course, fried chicken.
February 2013: Yum! CEO Acknowledges Severity of China Scandal
In February 2013, Yum! CEO David Novak acknowledged the gravity and lasting impact of the supplier scandal in China, admitting that it had exceeded their initial estimations. This public statement highlighted the seriousness of the situation and its potential to harm KFC's reputation and financial performance in China, a key market.
March 2013: Yum! Reports Sales Rebound in China After Scandal
Following the supplier scandal in China, Yum! reported a rebound in sales in February 2013. However, the company acknowledged that the lower sales during December and January resulting from the controversy would still lead to a 20% decline in same-store sales for the first quarter.
2013: KFC Transitions to Henny Penny Fryers
KFC began transitioning from Collectramatic to Henny Penny pressure fryers in 2013, seeking enhanced efficiency. The 'Velocity' series offered larger capacity, automatic oil filtration, and extended oil life, marking a significant equipment upgrade.
2013: KFC's Sales Reach $23 Billion
KFC achieved significant sales in 2013, reaching $23 billion.
May 2015: KFC Launches Revamp and New Ad Campaign
By 2015, KFC was facing challenges, having fallen behind competitors. In response, the company initiated a major revamp, which included changes to packaging, decor, uniforms, and menu expansion. They also launched a new advertising campaign in May 2015, featuring Darrell Hammond as Colonel Sanders, with a rotating cast of actors portraying the Colonel in subsequent ads.
August 2016: Alleged Original Recipe Test
In August 2016, the Chicago Tribune conducted a cooking experiment using a handwritten recipe purportedly belonging to Colonel Sanders. The recipe was said to have been found by Joe Ledington. The Tribune's staffers, after several attempts, claimed that their fried chicken, made with the addition of MSG, tasted very similar to KFC's chicken.
2016: Rotation of Actors as Colonel Sanders
Throughout 2016, KFC continued its advertising campaign featuring a rotating cast of actors portraying Colonel Sanders, including Norm Macdonald, Jim Gaffigan, George Hamilton, and Rob Riggle.
2017: KFC Fined for Employee Injuries in the UK
KFC faced legal repercussions in 2017 when a UK court ordered them to pay £950,000 in fines for failing to ensure employee safety. The case involved two workers who suffered scalding injuries from boiling hot gravy, highlighting a breach of duty of care.
January 2018: Reba McEntire as First Female Colonel Sanders
In January 2018, KFC broke new ground by casting country music star Reba McEntire as the first female Colonel Sanders in their advertising campaign.
February 2018: Chicken Shortage and the "FCK" Apology
In February 2018, KFC experienced a significant chicken shortage in the UK, their largest European market. This shortage, caused by logistical problems with their new delivery partner DHL, forced the temporary closure of hundreds of restaurants. KFC responded with a well-received, humorous advertising campaign, rearranging their initials to "FCK" alongside an apology.
August 27, 2019: KFC Tests Meatless Chicken in Atlanta
On August 27, 2019, KFC took a step toward exploring plant-based alternatives by testing meatless boneless wings and nuggets in Atlanta, Georgia.
2019: Indonesia Switches to Coca-Cola Products
In 2019, KFC locations in Indonesia made a change in their beverage offerings, switching from PepsiCo products to those supplied by The Coca-Cola Company.
2019: Australia Reverts to "Kentucky Fried Chicken"
In 2019, KFC in Australia decided to return to the original "Kentucky Fried Chicken" name, a move that might reflect a desire to emphasize the brand's heritage and authenticity.
December 2020: KFC Unveils the KFConsole
In December 2020, KFC took a step into the gaming world with the reveal of the KFConsole. This gaming console, equipped with a "Chicken Chamber" for keeping food warm, demonstrated the company's innovative and often humorous marketing strategies.
November 2021: KFC Opening in Finland Marred by Controversy
In November 2021, KFC opened its first restaurant in Finland, but the event was met with protests by a vegan activist and concerns over the safety of chicken sourced from Poland.
2021: Andrea Zahumensky Highlights KFC's Brand Assets
Before stepping down as CEO in 2021, Andrea Zahumensky emphasized the importance of KFC's core brand assets: the bucket, the three stripes, and the full name "Kentucky Fried Chicken," all of which were being increasingly utilized by the chain.
November 9, 2022: KFC Germany Issues Apology for Kristallnacht Promotion
On November 9, 2022, KFC Germany sparked outrage by accidentally sending out a promotional message that encouraged customers to celebrate Kristallnacht. The company quickly apologized, attributing the message to a system error.
2022: Singapore and Malaysia Switch to Coca-Cola Products
Following a similar move in other territories, KFC outlets in Singapore and Malaysia also transitioned to offering Coca-Cola products instead of PepsiCo beverages in 2022.
2022: KFC Faces Pressure to Halt Operations in Russia
In 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, KFC faced public pressure to cease its operations in Russia, where it has a significant presence.
2022: KFC Accused of Misleading Consumers with Promotional Video
In early 2022, KFC was accused of misleading the public about its animal welfare practices after a promotional video depicting good conditions on a chicken farm was contradicted by footage taken by animal rights activists months later.
February 2023: Menu Changes in Australia
In February 2023, KFC Australia announced the removal of several items from their menu, including wings, popcorn chicken, Nashville hot sauce, and strawberry lemonade.
2023: Introduction of "Signature Fries" in UK and Ireland
In 2023, KFC branches in the UK and Ireland aimed to elevate their fries by introducing "signature fries" coated in herbs and spices.
April 2024: KFC's Global Presence
As of April 2024, KFC has expanded to become the world's second-largest restaurant chain by sales, trailing only McDonald's. With over 30,000 locations across 150 countries, KFC has solidified its position as a global fast food giant.