Another household name in the fast food game is the Lousville, Kentucky based Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). In fact in most cities, if you spot a McDonalds, a KFC probably isn't far away. It's another fast food outlet with a recognised mascot, in this case a real person, the founder of KFC Colonel Sanders.
Harland Sanders was a real person but not a real colonel. It was for his culinary achievements that he received the honorary rank of Kentucky Colonel from the state governor in 1936 after his Sanders Court & Café had proved successful. He later sold his restaurants and travelled the country hawking his chicken recipes. The first Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet opened in 1952, and by the early '60s, it had expanded to over 600 franchises in the United States and Canada. The colonel sold his entire franchising operation though his bearded smiling face remained the company mascot. It's since changed hands several times and since 2002 has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Yum! Brands.
KFC's prime offering is pressure-fried chicken with either original recipe or extra crispy breading. They also serve regular and Snackers chicken sandwiches. Side dishes include coleslaw, potato wedges, french fries, and mashed potatoes with gravy.
The magic ingredient in KFC's success has been the Colonel's flavor recipe of 11 herbs and spices. This secret recipe has kept KFC popular even as countless imitators have sprung up worldwide.