At ten, Sanders began working for farmer Charlie Norris, clearing land for two dollars a month. This early work experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience. At 16, seeking new opportunities, he enlisted in the army, which provided him with some financial stability and life skills. After his military service, Sanders worked various jobs, including on the railroad. His ambition led him to pursue law through correspondence courses, and he eventually represented clients in court. However, his legal career was cut short due to a courtroom incident where he was charged with assault and battery by his own client.
In 1930, Sanders moved to Corbin, Kentucky, where he operated a service station that also served food. His cooking, particularly his fried chicken, soon gained popularity among travelers on US Route 25. Recognizing the potential of his culinary skills, Sanders expanded his business from the Sanders Café to Sanders Court, a seven-room motel. It was during this period that he began experimenting with pressure cookers and a special fried chicken recipe given to him by a neighbor. This recipe, featuring a blend of 11 herbs and spices, would eventually become world-famous.
The increasing popularity of Sanders' fried chicken caught the attention of celebrity food critic Duncan Hines, bringing national recognition. In 1935, Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon awarded Sanders the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel for his contributions to the state's cuisine.
By 1950, Sanders had perfected his cooking method and finalized his secret blend of herbs and spices. He established his company headquarters in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and began franchising his business. By 1960, there were over 200 KFC franchisees across the United States. This success not only made fried chicken a mainstream American food but also significantly boosted domestic chicken production and consumption.
In 1964, at the age of 74, Sanders sold Kentucky Fried Chicken for $2 million to Kentucky businessman John Y. Brown Jr. and Nashville entrepreneur Jack Massey. By then, the company had grown to 600 outlets. Despite the sale, Sanders remained the brand's ambassador, traveling across the country to promote KFC.
Colonel Sanders passed away on December 16, 1980, but his legacy lives on. Today, KFC operates in over 150 countries with more than 24,000 outlets worldwide. Sanders' story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the impact one individual can have on global cuisine. His image and recipes remain central to the KFC brand, symbolizing quality and tradition.
Colonel Sanders: The Entrepreneur Behind KFC's Global Success
