
Founder: Colonel Harland Sanders
In a small Indiana town in 1890, a boy named Harland Sanders was born. Little did anyone know, this child would grow up to become a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit. After his father passed away, young Harland learned to cook to feed his siblings. Life threw many jobs his way – from farmhand to fireman – but none felt quite right. Yet, these early struggles taught him determination and the value of hard work.
The Man Behind KFC
- Born: September 9, 1890, near Henryville, Indiana.
- Early struggles: Lost father early, left school in seventh grade, varied jobs.
- KFC Foundation: Created unique fried chicken recipe; opened Sanders’ Cafe in Corbin, Kentucky.
- Expansion: Grew KFC into over 600 franchises by 1964.
- Legacy: Sold company but remained as ambassador; iconic image in white suit and goatee.
- Died: December 16, 1980, Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Milestones and Challenges: The Colonel Sanders Story
- 1890: Birth of Harland Sanders, the future Colonel Sanders, marking the start of an iconic journey.
- Grafted Jobs: Sanders’ diverse early jobs, from farming to selling insurance, built his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Refused: Facing rejection and failure, Sanders’ persistence became a key to his future triumphs.
- 1930: Amidst the Great Depression, Sanders starts serving his famous fried chicken, laying the foundation for KFC’s creation.
- 1952: The opening of the first KFC franchise in Salt Lake City, Utah—a major step in the brand’s expansion.
- 1964: Sanders sells KFC, ushering in a new era for the company while remaining an essential figurehead.
- Original Recipe: The unveiling of Sanders’ secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, a cornerstone of KFC’s enduring appeal.
- 1965: Post-sale, Sanders continues influencing KFC, ensuring the brand’s commitment to quality and global growth.
Crafting the Chicken Empire
As the Great Depression gripped the nation in the 1930s, Sanders found his calling at a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky. There, he served travelers his homemade fried chicken.
It was so good that by 1952, he gave the recipe to a restaurant owner in Utah, starting the KFC franchise. People just couldn’t get enough of his delicious chicken.
The Colonel’s Brand Magic
Sanders wasn’t just good at cooking chicken; he was a genius at selling it. He wore a fancy white suit and called himself “Colonel Sanders.” His friendly face became famous, and the image of the Colonel promised tasty chicken every time.
The Colonel’s secret recipe, with its famous 11 herbs and spices, was part of the magic. Nobody knew the exact mix, which made the chicken even more special.
Growing the Business
Sanders’ way of letting other people open their own KFC restaurants worked wonders. It spread like wildfire, and even after he sold the company in 1964, he made sure the food stayed top-notch. Today, thanks to him, you can find KFC in places all around the world!
A Legacy That Lives On
The Colonel’s journey from cooking for his family to creating a world-famous food chain is a story of never giving up. It shows how having a great idea and sticking with it can lead to amazing things. And though Colonel Sanders is no longer with us, his tasty chicken and the company he started continue to be loved by people everywhere.
Colonel Sanders’ life teaches us that no matter how tough things get, sticking to your dreams and working hard can lead to success. He turned a simple chicken recipe into a global sensation, and his story will keep on inspiring folks for generations to come.
THE KFC COLONEL SANDERS STORY

Remember the Legend Who Made KFC Famous