Are you curious about Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)?

KFC is the world's most famous fried chicken fast-food chain, headquartered in Louisville, KY. The brand's name is derived from the abbreviation of its former official name, "Kentucky Fried Chicken." This brand is a beloved fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken, with a unique history and global presence.

KFC began in the 1930s when Harland Sanders started selling fried chicken at a roadside restaurant in Kentucky. His unique cooking method and flavor quickly gained popularity, and in 1952, he opened the first franchise in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Since then, KFC has rapidly grown within the United States and expanded internationally by opening locations in Canada, the UK, Mexico, Jamaica, and more starting in the mid-1960s. In 1987, it opened its first store in Beijing, becoming the first Western fast-food chain to enter the Chinese market.

Founder - The Story of Colonel Harland Sanders

Colonel Sanders was not originally a military man but was awarded the honorary title of Colonel by the Kentucky state government. In the American South, it is customary to refer to older gentlemen as "Colonel" as a term of respect.

• Early Failures and Comeback

  • In the 1930s, he operated a small restaurant in Kentucky but lost everything in a fire and fell into poverty.

  • In his old age, he struggled financially, living on a pension of just over $100.

  • He even sought psychiatric treatment due to mental distress.

• Development of Chicken Recipe

  • Utilizing his cooking skills learned from childhood, he developed a special chicken recipe.

  • He created a unique recipe made with 11 herbs and spices.

• Starting the Franchise Business

  • He traveled across the United States promoting his recipe.

  • After hundreds of attempts, he secured a contract with a restaurant to pay royalties for each piece of chicken sold.

  • As Sanders' chicken gained popularity, he became independent and founded KFC.

    
    

Number of Locations

As of 2024, KFC operates over 30,000 locations in 150 countries worldwide. About 85% of these are located outside the United States, with significant success in China, where it operates around 5,000 stores.

KFC's Operations and Structure

• Part of Yum! Brands

  • KFC is currently owned by Yum! Brands, along with Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

  • In the U.S., it is often operated in buildings alongside Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

  • Outside the U.S., local companies may purchase the rights to operate (e.g., KFC in Korea is operated by a domestic company).

KFC's Brand Value and Position

• The second-largest fast-food chain in the world after McDonald's.

• Established itself as a leading brand representing chicken in the burger-centric fast-food market.

• Built a strong brand presence in China, India, Southeast Asia, and more.

Revenue Scale

KFC's annual revenue was reported to be approximately $23 billion in 2013. It has continued to grow, recording about $2.83 billion in revenue in 2023.

Global Brand Position

KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, alongside Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, establishing itself as a global dining brand. It is evaluated as the second-largest fast-food chain in the world after McDonald's, particularly strong in the Asian market.

KFC is a brand born from Colonel Harland Sanders' relentless challenges and innovations, combining Southern American culinary culture with the franchise model to achieve global success. It remains one of the most popular chicken-focused fast-food brands worldwide.