Harland David Sanders, widely known as Colonel Sanders, is the founder of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). Born on September 9, 1890, in Indiana, USA, he became an iconic figure in the fast-food industry. Sanders' journey began humbly; after losing his father at a young age, he took on various jobs to support his family. His career spanned multiple fields, including railroads, farming, and even law enforcement, where he earned the honorary title of "Colonel" from the Governor of Kentucky for his contributions.
Sanders' entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he started serving meals to travelers. This marked the beginning of what would become KFC. In 1939, he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, which became the foundation of KFC's signature fried chicken. By the early 1950s, his restaurant had grown significantly, attracting customers from far and wide.
Despite facing challenges such as a fire that destroyed his restaurant, Sanders persevered and began franchising his business model. In 1952, the first KFC franchise opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, marking the start of KFC's global expansion. Sanders traveled extensively to promote his brand, often wearing his iconic white suit and string tie.
Sanders sold KFC to investors in 1964 but continued to represent the brand until his death in 1980. His legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of KFC worldwide. Colonel Sanders remains a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and innovation in the culinary world.