National Kfc Day

Close-up of a delicious KFC bucket overflowing with crispy chicken, surrounded by friends enjoying a backyard picnic, summer vibes and laughter in the air.. — National kfc day illustration

Welcome to the finger-lickin' world of National KFC Day! Get ready to indulge in crispy, juicy, and oh-so-delicious fried chicken that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a fan of the original recipe or prefer the spicy goodness of KFC's hot wings, this special day celebrates all things KFC and the satisfaction that comes with biting into a perfectly seasoned piece of chicken. So grab a napkin, loosen your belt, and let's dive into the mouthwatering history of National KFC Day!

When is Kfc Day?

It's national kfc day on the 25th April.

The Origins of National KFC Day

Ahh, KFC. The iconic fast-food chain that has captured the hearts and taste buds of chicken lovers around the world. But how did National KFC Day come to be? While there isn't an official internet-inspired origin story for this day, it's safe to say that the internet played a massive role in the popularity of KFC. People took to social media, food blogs, and online forums to express their love for KFC's savory menu items, sharing mouthwatering photos and reviews that made others crave a bucket of golden-fried goodness.

Celebrating the Finger-Lickin' Goodness

On National KFC Day, chicken enthusiasts flock to their local KFC restaurants, eagerly waiting to satisfy their cravings. Some celebrate by hosting KFC-themed parties, complete with fried chicken-themed decorations and a finger-lickin' feast. Others take the opportunity to try different menu items or indulge in KFC's limited-time specials. It's a day dedicated to embracing the guilty pleasure of indulging in finger-lickin' good fried chicken.

Did You Know?

Did you know that KFC's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices is one of the most closely guarded secrets in the food industry? Only a select few individuals know the exact recipe, and it's kept under lock and key in a vault at the company's headquarters. Talk about top-level chicken security!

History behind the term 'Kfc'

1930

Harland Sanders starts cooking chicken

In 1930, Harland Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, started cooking chicken in a small cafe in Corbin, Kentucky. He developed a unique method of pressure cooking the chicken, which helped to maintain its tenderness and juicy flavor.

1930

Colonel Harland Sanders begins serving fried chicken

In the year 1930, Colonel Harland Sanders, a restaurateur from Kentucky, began serving his signature fried chicken recipe. He developed a unique method of pressure frying that cooked the chicken quickly and kept it tender and juicy. This marked the beginning of the mouthwatering journey of KFC, but it wasn't yet known by that name.

1930

Colonel Harland Sanders opens a service station

In 1930, Colonel Harland Sanders opened a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he began serving meals to travelers. This service station soon became popular for its delicious food, particularly the fried chicken that Sanders would prepare for his customers.

1930

Harland Sanders Starts Cooking

In 1930, Harland Sanders, the man who would later be known as Colonel Sanders, started selling fried chicken from his roadside gas station in North Corbin, Kentucky. Sanders perfected a secret recipe using a blend of 11 herbs and spices, creating a unique flavor for his fried chicken.

1930

Colonel Sanders Opens His First Restaurant

In 1930, Harland Sanders opened a small service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he began serving fried chicken to hungry travelers. Sanders' secret recipe for his unique blend of 11 herbs and spices quickly gained popularity, making his restaurant a local favorite.

1930

Beginnings of a restaurant.

In 1930, Harland Sanders opened a small restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky. The restaurant, called Sanders Court & Café, served customers traditional Southern fried chicken, among other dishes.

1952

Introduction of the secret recipe.

By 1952, the popularity of Harland Sanders' fried chicken had grown significantly. To meet the increasing demand, he developed a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, which became the signature flavor of KFC.

1952

The Birth of Kentucky Fried Chicken

In 1952, Colonel Sanders franchised his first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Utah. The iconic KFC bucket and the 'finger-lickin' good' slogan were also introduced around this time, making KFC a recognizable brand across the United States.

1952

First Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant opens

In 1952, Colonel Sanders opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its delicious fried chicken made with Sanders' secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.

1952

First Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opens

In 1952, Colonel Sanders decided to franchise his restaurant concept. The first official Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in Salt Lake City, Utah. This marked a significant milestone for the brand as it started to expand beyond its original location. People were captivated by the delicious and flavorful chicken, which became an instant hit.

1952

The Birth of Kentucky Fried Chicken

In 1952, at the age of 62, Harland Sanders franchised his now-famous fried chicken recipe. The first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant was opened in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sanders, donned in his signature white suit and black string tie, became the brand's official spokesperson.

1939

Sanders perfects his secret recipe

By 1939, Colonel Sanders had perfected his secret recipe for fried chicken, which involved a blend of 11 herbs and spices. This secret recipe became the foundation for the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) that we know today.

1957

Franchising of KFC begins

In 1957, Colonel Sanders began franchising KFC, allowing others to open their own KFC restaurants. This move helped to rapidly expand the brand's presence across the United States and eventually internationally.

1956

Kentucky Fried Chicken rebrands as KFC

By the year 1956, Kentucky Fried Chicken had gained popularity and recognition across the United States. In an effort to modernize their brand image and accommodate the evolving fast-food culture, the company officially rebranded as KFC. This new abbreviation retained the essence of Kentucky Fried Chicken while embracing a shorter and catchier name.

1957

1957: KFC Goes Overseas

In 1957, KFC expanded internationally by opening its first overseas franchise in Canada. The success of the Canadian expansion paved the way for KFC to become a global fast-food powerhouse.

1955

First franchise restaurant.

The first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise restaurant opened in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1955. This marked the beginning of KFC's expansion across the United States.

1952

First Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opens

In 1952, Colonel Sanders opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Utah. This marked the beginning of the expansion of the KFC brand, as more and more franchise locations started popping up across the United States.

1964

The Acquisition of KFC by Heublein Inc.

In 1964, KFC was acquired by Heublein Inc., a major food and beverage company at the time. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in KFC's history, allowing the brand to expand rapidly across the country and eventually globally.

1957

KFC goes international

In 1957, KFC expanded its reach beyond the United States by opening its first international franchise in Canada. This move marked the beginning of KFC's global presence, with the brand eventually spreading to countries all over the world.

1964

Officially renamed to KFC.

In 1964, Harland Sanders officially renamed his restaurant chain from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC. The abbreviation was chosen to make the brand name shorter and easier to say.

1991

The Rebranding as KFC

In 1991, Kentucky Fried Chicken officially changed its name to KFC. This rebranding was aimed at modernizing the image of the brand and capturing a wider audience. The abbreviation 'KFC' became widely recognized and used by customers and media alike.

1971

KFC becomes a global brand

By 1971, KFC had expanded its operations to more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide, establishing itself as a global fast-food brand. The popularity of KFC's signature fried chicken continued to grow, becoming a staple in many countries.

1969

The Acquisition by Heublein Inc.

In 1969, Heublein Inc., a consumer food and beverages company, acquired KFC for $285 million. This acquisition brought in a new era of expansion and marketing for the brand, solidifying its position in the fast-food industry.

1964

Colonel Sanders sells KFC and becomes an ambassador

In 1964, Colonel Sanders sold Kentucky Fried Chicken to a group of investors. However, he remained a significant symbol of the brand, continuing as an ambassador and spokesperson. This helped maintain the connection between the delicious KFC chicken and its charismatic founder, ensuring the legacy of Colonel Sanders lives on in the hearts and minds of KFC lovers.

1980

KFC expands globally

By the year 1980, KFC had expanded its reach worldwide. The delicious flavors of KFC's fried chicken had captivated taste buds across different countries and cultures. The brand's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices became international sensations, and KFC restaurants began popping up in various corners of the globe, satisfying cravings for finger-licking good chicken.

1971

First international KFC restaurant.

KFC made its international debut in 1971 with the opening of a restaurant in England, marking the start of KFC's global expansion.

1991

The Rebranding to KFC

In 1991, KFC officially rebranded from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC. The new abbreviation allowed the brand to embrace a more modern and concise identity while still maintaining the beloved Colonel Sanders image and the original recipe.

1991

The official name change to KFC

In 1991, Kentucky Fried Chicken officially changed its name to KFC. The change was made to reflect the brand's focus on offering a wider variety of menu items beyond just fried chicken, such as sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

1991

KFC rebrands and becomes 'KFC'

In 1991, KFC officially rebranded itself from 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' to 'KFC.' The change was made to reflect the growing variety of menu offerings beyond just fried chicken, encompassing a wider range of food options for customers.

2002

KFC Goes Global

KFC expanded its operations beyond the United States and became a global fast-food sensation. With its distinctive menu and unique blend of spices, KFC quickly gained popularity in various countries worldwide, becoming a symbol of American fast-food culture.

1997

KFC introduces 'It's finger lickin' good' slogan

In 1997, KFC introduced its iconic slogan, 'It's finger lickin' good.' This catchy phrase perfectly captured the essence of KFC's delicious and finger-licking fried chicken, becoming deeply ingrained in popular culture and the brand's identity.

1991

KFC's acquisition by PepsiCo.

In 1991, KFC was acquired by PepsiCo, which brought in additional resources and expertise to further expand the brand globally.

2017

KFC's Virtual Colonel Sanders

In 2017, KFC introduced a virtual version of Colonel Sanders portrayed by different actors, including famous celebrities. This marketing campaign revived the Colonel Sanders persona and created significant buzz among KFC fans and fast-food enthusiasts.

2020

Continued Global Presence

KFC has continued to expand its reach around the globe, with restaurants in over 145 countries. It has become renowned not only for its signature fried chicken but also for its innovative menu items that cater to local tastes and preferences.

2018

KFC embraces virtual reality gaming

In 2018, KFC made a unique foray into the world of virtual reality (VR) gaming. As part of a marketing campaign, KFC released an original VR game called 'The Hard Way,' featuring Colonel Sanders as the protagonist. This demonstrated KFC's innovative approach to connecting with customers through various mediums.

1997

Tricon Global Restaurants formation.

In 1997, PepsiCo spun off its restaurant division, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, into a separate company called Tricon Global Restaurants. This allowed KFC to focus on its growth and development as an individual brand.

2006

Yum! Brands formation.

In 2006, Tricon Global Restaurants changed its name to Yum! Brands to better reflect its diverse portfolio of restaurant brands. KFC became one of the flagship brands under the Yum! Brands umbrella.

2021

Ongoing global presence.

As of 2021, KFC is a globally recognized brand with thousands of restaurants across more than 145 countries. It continues to be known for its unique blend of 11 herbs and spices, serving delicious fried chicken to millions of people worldwide.