The Beginning of Sanders' Restaurant
Harland Sanders opened his first restaurant in the small front room of a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he served fried chicken.
1930
1936
Sanders Receives Honorary Title
Harland Sanders was given the honorary title of "Colonel" by Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon in recognition of his contributions to the state's cuisine.
1952
The first KFC franchise was opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Pete Harman, a friend of Colonel Sanders.
1964
KFC Sold to Investors
Colonel Sanders sold KFC to a group of investors led by John Y. Brown Jr. and Jack C. Massey for $2 million.
1966
KFC Goes Public
KFC Corporation went public and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
1971
Acquisition by Heublein Inc.
KFC was acquired by the spirits distributor Heublein Inc. for $285 million.
1986
PepsiCo Acquisition
PepsiCo acquired KFC for $840 million, adding it to its portfolio of fast-food brands.
1991
Rebranding as KFC
The company officially adopted the name KFC, moving away from "Kentucky Fried Chicken" to appeal to a more health-conscious public.
1997
Spin-off as Tricon Global Restaurants
PepsiCo spun off its restaurant division, including KFC, creating Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc.
2002
Yum! Brands Formation
Tricon Global Restaurants was renamed Yum! Brands, Inc., which continues to operate KFC along with other fast-food brands.
2004
Introduction of KFC's Famous Bowls
KFC introduced its Famous Bowls, a combination of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and popcorn chicken, topped with cheese.
2011
Launch of KFC's Double Down
KFC launched the Double Down sandwich, featuring two pieces of fried chicken as the bun, with bacon, cheese, and sauce in between.
2015
Colonel Sanders Returns to Advertising
KFC brought back Colonel Sanders in its advertising campaigns, portrayed by various actors, to reconnect with its roots.
2020
KFC's Plant-Based Chicken
KFC introduced plant-based chicken options in partnership with Beyond Meat, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
2023
KFC's Global Expansion
KFC continued its global expansion, reaching over 25,000 locations in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide.
