5 Intriguing Nuggets of KFC History You Probably Didn’t Know

Delve into the intriguing world of KFC, a fast-food giant with an assortment of fascinating stories under its wing. From its unique connection with Japan’s Christmas traditions to the idiosyncrasies of its charismatic founder, Colonel Sanders, KFC’s history is as flavorful as its famous fried chicken. Join us as we explore five finger-lickin’ facts about KFC that will leave you craving for more.

1. The visionary behind the globally recognized brand, Colonel Sanders, was ironically his own biggest critic. He never shied away from expressing his disdain for KFC’s offerings, particularly the gravy which he famously dubbed as “horrible.” His critiques were so passionate that he was known to abruptly enter a KFC branch and express his disappointment by tossing the food onto the floor.

2. A bizarre cultural twist has the Japanese dining on KFC for their Christmas meals. Although Christmas is not an ancient Japanese tradition and is celebrated secularly due to a low Christian population, KFC cleverly marketed itself into the festivities. In the 1990s, they aired commercials claiming KFC as a conventional Christmas meal in America. This marketing ploy was a hit, and despite a few Japanese citizens debunking the myth, KFC continues to experience significant sales boost every December.

3. KFC has ventured beyond the world of fast food and into film. The brand sponsored a short movie, “A Recipe for Seduction”, featuring a character, Jessica Mansera, torn between marrying a wealthy suitor chosen by her mother and pursuing a romantic liaison with Harland Sanders, the new house chef.

4. The secret of KFC’s Original Recipe has been well-guarded. To ensure the formula remains undisclosed, KFC splits the process of mixing the 11 spices between two companies. One company prepares the initial blend and then ships it to McCormick, who adds the remaining spices and returns it to KFC.

5. The man whose face adorns KFC outlets globally, Harland Sanders, wasn’t actually a military Colonel. At the age of 44, he was honored with the title of ‘Kentucky Colonel.’ His entrepreneurial journey took a turn at 61 when he founded KFC, and he lived to the ripe old age of 90, leaving behind an iconic culinary legacy.