10 Finger Lickin’ Good KFC Facts

KFC is the second biggest fast food chain in the world after McDonalds, and is home to some of the tastiest chicken you’re ever likely to eat. But what do we actually know about this restaurant? Well, we’re about to find out some interesting facts…

1. Colonel Sanders

The man behind Colonel Sanders is actually Harland Sanders, who started the fast food restaurant by selling chicken at his roadside chicken in Corbin, Kentucky, throughout the great depression. He would even allow customers to dine at his own dinner table!

2. The Secret Recipe

The KFC recipe is a well kept secret, and is kept in a safe in Louisville, Kentucky. All we know it is seasoned from Colonel Sander’s 11 herbs and spices – whatever they are! The recipe is not patented, as patents can expire. However, trade secrets are secured by the intellectual property of their holders.

3. Chicken in China

KFC was the first Western restaurant chain to open in China back in 1987. It was so successful that it is now the company’s single largest markets, as they have chains all over the country. You can even get KFC delivered to your door!

4. The Slogan

The KFC slogan “finger lickin’ good” was, however, a little lost in translation when they opened in China, as it translated to “eat your fingers off”.

5. Kentucky Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken officially became KFC in 1991 to avoid advertising the word “fried”, as the general public became increasingly health conscious.

6. The Colonel

Believe it or not, Colonel Sanders isn’t actually a Colonel. While he lied about his age to enlist in the US Army, he never made it to Colonel. However, the title was given to him by the governor of Kentucky in 1935, as it honoured good service and accomplishments. He was one of 5,000 to receive the honour during Ruby Laffoon’s governorship.

7. The First Bucket

KFC is synonymous with the big bucket of chicken, so you might be a little surprised to learn that the first bucket wasn’t sold until 1952 – 12 years after the recipe was invented by the Colonel.

8. PETA

PETA and other organisations regularly boycott KFC, as they believe they commit violations against chickens.

9. USA

KFC is one of the most popular fast food brands in the world, and every day welcomes 8 million people through its doors in the US alone. We can’t even begin to imagine how many people visit the restaurants in China per day!

10. Tribute

When Colonel Sanders passed away back in 1980, flags on every Kentucky state building flew at half mast in his honour for 4 days.

Looking for more top ten lists on fast food chains? Look no further that 10 Surprising McDonald’s Facts.