Harland David Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, was born on September 9, 1890, in the small town of Henryville, Indiana. From a young age, life was challenging for Sanders. After his father’s untimely death when he was just six years old, his mother had to work long hours, leaving young Harland to care for his younger siblings and cook for the family. These early culinary experiences would later play a pivotal role in his life.
Sanders left school in the seventh grade and embarked on a series of odd jobs, seeking stability. His varied career included roles as a farmhand, streetcar conductor, railroad fireman, insurance salesman, and even a brief stint as a lawyer. Sanders also tried his hand at running a ferry boat company, selling tires, and managing a service station.
In 1930, Sanders opened a service station in Corbin, Kentucky. It was here that he began serving meals to travelers, quickly gaining a reputation for his delicious fried chicken. Sanders soon opened a restaurant across the street, where he honed his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, which became the cornerstone of his success.
In recognition of his contributions to Kentucky’s cuisine, Sanders was awarded the honorary title of "Colonel" by Governor Ruby Laffoon in 1935. However, the construction of the interstate highway system in the 1950s diverted traffic away from his restaurant, leading to a decline in business. Undeterred, Sanders decided to franchise his chicken recipe. He traveled across the country, cooking for restaurant owners and promoting his unique blend of seasonings.
The first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952, and Sanders' chicken quickly became a nationwide sensation. By 1964, there were over 600 KFC franchises across the United States and Canada. That same year, Sanders sold the company to a group of investors for $2 million but remained the face of KFC, continuing to travel extensively to promote the brand.
Colonel Sanders’ influence extended far beyond the United States. In Japan, KFC achieved remarkable success, in part due to a clever marketing campaign. In the 1970s, KFC began promoting fried chicken as a Christmas tradition, filling a cultural gap for the holiday season. The campaign was wildly successful, and today, millions of Japanese families enjoy KFC as part of their Christmas celebrations. The Colonel's image, with his iconic white suit and string tie, became a symbol of festive cheer in Japan.
Even after selling KFC, Sanders remained an active and enthusiastic ambassador for the brand, traveling over 200,000 miles a year. His image became synonymous with KFC, gracing commercials and packaging worldwide. Sanders passed away on December 16, 1980, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of culinary innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.