Colonel Harland David Sanders
| Colonel Harland Sanders | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | September 9, 1890 Henryville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 16, 1980 (aged 90) Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Restaurateur |
| Known For | Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) |
| Title | Colonel (Honorary) |
Colonel Harland David Sanders was an American entrepreneur and the founder of the global fast-food franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Known for his white suit, black string tie, and iconic beard, Sanders became a household name as the face of KFC, developing a secret fried chicken recipe that turned into a billion-dollar brand.[1]
Early Life and Education
Harland Sanders was born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana. Following the death of his father when he was six, he assumed responsibility for cooking and taking care of his siblings while his mother worked. His passion for Southern cooking began at an early age, and by age 10 he was proficient in several regional dishes.
Sanders left school in the seventh grade due to financial hardship and held numerous jobs throughout his youth — from farmhand and railroad worker to insurance salesman and gas station operator.[2]
The Origins of KFC
In the early 1930s, Sanders began serving meals to travelers at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky. His blend of 11 herbs and spices and unique pressure-cooking method produced fried chicken that became immensely popular. In 1936, Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon awarded him the honorary title of Colonel.
The Franchising Journey
After a decline in local business due to highway rerouting, Sanders took to the road in the early 1950s to franchise his chicken recipe. At age 65, he traveled the country, often sleeping in his car, pitching his chicken to restaurant owners. His first franchisee, Pete Harman, helped establish the brand's name: Kentucky Fried Chicken.
By 1964, Sanders had franchised hundreds of locations and sold the company for $2 million, though he remained its global ambassador.[3]
Global Impact
Under new ownership, KFC grew into one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, with a presence in over 150 countries. Sanders' recipe remains the brand’s core offering, and his likeness is still prominently used in KFC branding.
Personal Life
Sanders married Josephine King in 1908 and had three children. After divorcing in 1947, he married Claudia Price. He continued to work well into his 80s, representing the KFC brand globally.[4]
Legacy
Colonel Sanders passed away on December 16, 1980. He is remembered as:
- A pioneer of fast-food franchising
- A symbol of entrepreneurial perseverance
- An enduring global brand figure
His life’s journey from a gas station cook to the founder of one of the world’s most recognizable restaurant chains remains a model of grit, innovation, and late-life success.[5]
See Also
References
- ↑ https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/food/news/did-you-know-the-worlds-most-famous-fried-chicken-was-created-when-colonel-sanders-was-65-article-115655850
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/kfc-is-moving-its-us-headquarters-from-kentucky-to-texas-101739951232074.html
- ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/09/he-bought-a-kfc-franchise-now-his-company-is-worth-over-3-billion.html
- ↑ https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/why-did-kentucky-fried-chicken-founder-colonel-sanders-cook-in-seattle/
- ↑ https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/what-happens-when-kentucky-fried-chicken-leaves-kentucky-