General Info

From a service station operator for Standard Oil to an entrepreneur, Harland Sanders came a long way to launch the first KFC outlet in 1952. Recognized as an honorary Kentucky Colonel for his contributions to the state's cuisine, Sanders continued actively franchising his chicken business by traveling from town to town and cooking batches of chicken for restaurant owners and employees. Today, Kentucky Fried Chicken is one of the world's most popular chicken restaurant chains. Well-known for its Original Recipe, Extra Crispy and Colonel's Crispy Strips, KFC has more than 14,000 outlets throughout America, Asia, Europe and Australia. With annual sales of more than $2 billion, the chain serves nearly 12 million customers every day. KFC is a part of Yum! Brands, which is the world's largest restaurant system with several KFC, A&W All-American Food, Taco Bell, Long John Silver's and Pizza Hut restaurants in more than 100 countries. KFC sponsors several expos and educational events for colleges and universities and conducts seminars and college fairs with information about careers and financial aid programs. Based in Louisville, Ky., it maintains a presence in Jacksonville, N.C.