KFC are the second largest restaurant chain in the world, serving a variable feast of their ‘secret recipe’ Kentucky fried chicken.  Their slogan is “finger lickin’ good” and they have been providing juicy, delicious, finger lickin’ chicken in a variety of ways for generations.

Their ‘secret recipe’ for the incredible coating on the chicken is a recipe that was created over 100 years ago and is a combination of 11 specially selected herbs and spices. The brand ensures their staff treat all the customers with the kind of Southern hospitality you’d expect. This combination of delicious food and great service has ensured that they’ve remained at the top of the fast-food industry.

History

The founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, the infamous Colonel Sanders, was born Harland Sanders in 1890. His father passed away while Sanders was still a child, forcing his mother to work and leaving him in charge of his two younger siblings. It was during this time that Sanders learned how to cook from his mother. He left home at the age of 13 and he branched out into various occupations until finally opening his first dining establishment in Corbin, Kentucky in 1930, at the tender age of 40.

It was here that Sanders focused on selling home-style Southern meals, with a big emphasis on his special Kentucky fried chicken. The venture was extremely successful and in 1936, Sanders received his honorary title of Kentucky Colonel from Governor Ruby Laffoon. In 1939, the KFC method of high pressure cooking came into play, which greatly lessened waiting times while not compromising the flavor of the chicken. The ‘secret recipe’ was finalized in 1940.

The first franchise of the brand was opened in Utah in 1952 and by 1963 there were 600 stores across the nation. Over the next few decades the company went through a series of ownership changes. The first of these was in 1964 when Sanders sold the company to John Y Brown Jr., and Jack C Massey. At this point Sanders still remained involved with the quality control of the business and as it’s registered trademark. This pair sold again during the 1970’s to R J Reynolds Food, who subsequently sold the brand to Pepsi Co for a cool $850million.

The company was also the first Western fast-food chain to expand into China, back in 1987. Their first UK store opened in 1965. The brand now has over 18,800 locations across 118 countries. Despite the frequent changes in ownership, the restaurant has remained a popular choice; for their efficient service, Southern hospitality and “finger lickin’ good” chicken.

Review

With so many fast-food options available today, there are a few reasons why KFC stands out from the crown. First and foremost their infamous fried chicken. The precise recipe has taken years to perfect and that is the exact word to describe it: perfect. The coating is full of flavor and wonderfully crispy, and the chicken inside is tasty, tender and juicy. The original chicken comes in a variety of options, including their infamous ‘bucket’ meal.

There are other options on the menu too, all based around their signature chicken: burgers, wraps, salads, sides, desserts and soft drinks. As an added benefit all of their items are extremely affordable. One of their combos which include: a main dish, a side and a medium drink will cost around $5. Family meals range from $10 to $30, depending upon the amount of people you’re feeding, all of which come in extremely generous portion sizes.

Their restaurants have the same classic theme, a modern take on the retro diner. They are clean, warm and inviting and the staff are personable and efficient. At every restaurant you’ll have the option to eat-in or, you can head to one of their drive-thru locations.

This chain has dominated the fried chicken industry for almost 90 years. The ‘colonel’ created this chain with the concept of serving good, quality, delicious Southern food; plus fast and friendly service, and this is something that the company continues to do. These values have guaranteed KFC a place in the nation’s hearts, stomachs and souls.