Buzz
The distinctive and delicious taste of KFC’s crispy fried chicken has captivated millions. Even if you haven’t tried it, you’re likely familiar with the iconic colonel and his signature red bucket filled with chicken.
Beyond this, you’ve probably come across numerous stories about the franchise—some positive, some negative, and some entirely fabricated. However, here are some lesser-known facts about the fast-food giant that are sure to surprise you.
10. In Japan, Enjoying KFC Has Become a Christmas Tradition
While a typical Christmas might involve snow, roasted turkey, and cozy moments by the fire, Japan has a unique tradition of celebrating with KFC. This tradition stems from a highly successful marketing campaign launched by the fast-food chain.
As explained by a KFC spokesperson in Japan, the campaign originated when a store manager came up with the brilliant idea of offering a “party barrel” for Christmas. By 1974, the concept went national and soon became synonymous with “Kentucky Christmas.”
The concept gained rapid popularity because Japan lacked an established Christmas tradition. This innovative idea filled a cultural gap for many families. The store manager’s success led to a promotion, eventually becoming the president and CEO of KFC Japan.
Today, during the Christmas season, millions of Japanese families endure long queues to secure their holiday fried chicken. Those who fail to pre-order often face hours-long waits on Christmas Day. Remarkably, these holiday packages account for one-third of the chain’s yearly revenue, highlighting the immense popularity of this festive tradition.
9. KFC Originally Operated Under the Name Sanders Court & Cafe
Harland Sanders, famously known as “the colonel,” began his culinary journey at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky. As a franchisee for Shell Oil Company, he started preparing various foods to boost sales. His menu featured the now-iconic chicken dishes, alongside steak, ham, and other hearty comfort foods.
Eventually, he transformed the service station into the first official KFC establishment. Initially named Sanders Court & Cafe, it started as a simple table outside the station. He later expanded operations, opening Sanders Cafe across the street from the original kitchen.
Interestingly, the restaurant didn’t initially serve the renowned fried chicken. That addition came later, after Sanders perfected his legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices. Word spread quickly, drawing visitors from distant places to experience the colonel’s exceptional recipes.
8. Harland Sanders (‘The Colonel’) Never Held an Official Military Rank
At just 16 years old, Sanders forged a birth certificate to enlist in the army. His fabricated documents were accepted, and he was deployed to Cuba, only to be honorably discharged after three months.
But how did he earn the title “colonel”?
In Kentucky, the title of “colonel” is a prestigious honor awarded by the governor or secretary of state to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to their community, state, and country. It signifies their role as global ambassadors of goodwill and fellowship.
Sanders was honored with the title of colonel on two occasions. Initially, in 1935, Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon granted him the honorary title following his return from war. The second recognition came in 1949. Sanders is the only individual to fully embody the title, which he proudly carried as he established his Kentucky Fried Chicken empire.
He even transformed his appearance to match his vision of a true colonel, showcasing his unwavering dedication.
7. The Fast-Food Giant Has Auctioned Sanders’s Personal Belongings
The colonel’s legacy remains so influential that his personal belongings continue to be auctioned to the highest bidder, even 39 years after his passing. Among the auctioned memorabilia were his iconic white suit, Stetson hat, belt buckle, and numerous other personal items.
These items ended up with Dick Miller, who served as the colonel’s personal chauffeur. Miller transported Sanders to various KFC locations nationwide. While he speaks highly of Sanders, Miller also recalls that working for him was challenging. In fact, Miller only received a single day off throughout his entire career.
Despite this, Miller came into possession of an impressive collection of the colonel’s personal items, which were later sold through Heritage Auctions. His reason for selling these cherished belongings was straightforward: he knew his children would sell them after his passing if he didn’t act first.
6. The Legendary Recipe Remains a Closely Guarded Secret
The colonel’s iconic blend of 11 herbs and spices is famously shrouded in secrecy. Sanders established two separate companies to produce the mix, ensuring neither would ever possess the full recipe or know its complete details.
In 2016, the Chicago Tribune published an article claiming that Joe Ledington, Sanders’s nephew, had uncovered the recipe in a family scrapbook. The scrapbook included the Last Will and Testament of Sanders’s second wife, Claudia Ledington, with the secret recipe allegedly written on the back of the document.
The reporter stated that Ledington had initially confirmed the authenticity of the 11 herbs and spices scribbled on the will. However, he later retracted his statement. Yum Brands, KFC’s parent company, quickly clarified that they still possess the original recipe.
They released a statement explaining that while many have claimed to know the recipe over the years, the authentic version was handwritten by Sanders in 1940. It is now secured in a digital safe, buried 0.6 meters (2 ft) underground in a concrete vault. The vault is equipped with 24/7 video surveillance and motion detection, ensuring the recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
5. The Double Down Is a Genuine Menu Item
The Double Down is often hailed as one of the most indulgent burgers ever created! It’s far from a healthy option for anyone mindful of their diet.
For the uninitiated, this burger features bacon strips layered with melted cheese, smothered in barbecue sauce, and sandwiched between two pieces of crispy fried chicken. Does that make your mouth water?
The unique twist? The traditional bun is replaced entirely by chicken! When it was first marketed, there was doubt about its official release, but it’s now a confirmed menu item.
The Double Down burger has been launched in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and more recently, the UK. If you’re a chicken enthusiast who prefers to skip the bread, this dish is a must-try.
4. Sanders Didn’t Come Up With the Name ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken’
The iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken name was actually coined by Don Anderson, a painter hired by one of Sanders’s acquaintances. After numerous attempts to franchise his fried chicken recipe nationwide, Sanders persuaded his friend, Pete Harman, to feature the chicken at his Do Drop Inn restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Once the restaurant introduced the specialty chicken to its menu, sales skyrocketed by 75 percent, further motivating Sanders to expand his franchise. Harman also pioneered the idea of selling chicken in buckets.
Thanks to his collaboration with the Inn, Sanders secured multiple franchise agreements to sell his chicken in other eateries. During this period, he met Dave Thomas, a chef at one of the restaurants serving his chicken.
Thomas designed the iconic bucket logo that still adorns KFC restaurants today. Thus, it was through this collective effort that the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand we cherish today came to life.
3. Osaka, Japan, Hosts an All-You-Can-Eat KFC Buffet
KFC Japan has officially launched its first all-you-can-eat buffet in Osaka. Diners are given around 90 minutes to enjoy unlimited servings of fried chicken, along with other favorites like pasta, sausages, and salads.
The spacious restaurant features over 100 seats, including family-friendly benches and tables, perfect for those with lively kids. Even if the decor doesn’t impress, the irresistible aroma surely will.
While visitors from Western countries might notice a slight variation in taste due to the recipe being tailored to local preferences, the iconic KFC flavor remains unmistakable.
For dessert, the buffet offers coffee jelly, ice cream, and even an all-you-can-drink beer option for a small additional fee. Unlimited chicken paired with unlimited beer—what more could you ask for?
2. The Famous Spice Mix Is Available for Purchase
Fruishion, a wholesaler specializing in marinades and seasoning mixes, has listed a product they claim replicates the KFC spice blend. This gained popularity during the UK’s KFC shortage, when fans were craving their “finger lickin’” fix. While the official recipe remains a secret, buyers insist this mix is the closest alternative available.
Customers have used the mix not only for frying chicken but also for coating goujons, potatoes, and mushrooms, as well as seasoning fries and wedges. Even after KFC restaurants reopened, the spice mix continues to be a bestseller on eBay, with the seller maintaining a flawless 100 percent positive feedback rating.
1. KFC Became the First Western Fast-Food Chain to Launch in China
In 1987, Kentucky Fried Chicken made history by becoming the first Western fast-food chain to open a restaurant in China. Today, over three decades later, it boasts more than 2,000 locations across the country and remains the top-performing fast-food brand in China.
The global expansion strategy began in the early 1980s after achieving success in Southeast Asia under the name “Ken De Jin.” By 1987, KFC had established its first Chinese outlet in Beijing, the nation’s capital.
Despite its rapid growth, KFC faced challenges, including potato shortages and store vandalism during protests in 1999.
Despite facing challenges, KFC achieved remarkable success in China. During the economic surge of 2002, the chain launched the country’s first drive-through location, marking a significant milestone in its expansion and solidifying its position as a fast-food leader in the region.
