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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • Entrepreneur

Colonel Sanders

Colonel Sanders was the public persona of Harland David Sanders, an American businessman best known for founding Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Colonel Sanders was the public persona of Harland David Sanders, an American businessman who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). He became one of the most recognizable figures in fast food, serving as the company's founder and later its brand ambassador.

What it is

Colonel Sanders refers to Harland David Sanders (1890–1980), the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. He developed a signature fried chicken recipe and a pressure-cooker method, then franchised the concept in the 1950s. The honorary title "Kentucky Colonel" shaped his public image.

Why it matters

Sanders built a global fast-food empire from a single service station in Corbin, Kentucky. His white suit, goatee, and string tie became iconic branding for KFC, which expanded internationally, including in Canada, where his image and recipe remain central to the chain's identity.

Key details

Sanders sold KFC in 1964 but stayed on as a brand ambassador. He died in Louisville, Kentucky, at age 90. The business he founded continues to operate worldwide, with his likeness still used in marketing.

In short

  • Harland Sanders founded KFC and developed its signature recipe and cooking method.
  • He sold the business in 1964 but remained the face of the brand.
  • His honorary Kentucky Colonel title and distinctive look became iconic.
  • KFC operates globally, including in Canada, with Sanders' image still in use.
Canadian angle

KFC became an international fast-food brand, including in Canada, where Colonel Sanders' image and recipe remain part of the chain's branding.

Quick questions

Who was Colonel Sanders?
Colonel Sanders was Harland David Sanders, an American businessman and the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
How did Colonel Sanders start KFC?
He began serving fried chicken at his service station in Corbin, Kentucky, then franchised the recipe and concept in the 1950s.
Is Colonel Sanders a real person?
Yes. Colonel Sanders was a real person, not a fictional character.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Harland-Sanders
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates/places, American businessman, trademark appearance
  2. KFC — https://global.kfc.com/our-history
    Supports: Born near Henryville, Indiana; early cooking; service stations in Kentucky; pressure-cooker method; secret recipe
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/colonel-sanders
    Supports: Created KFC at age 66; franchise timeline; founded chain
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/economics-magazines/sanders-colonel
    Supports: Honorary Colonel title; timeline including Corbin, recipe development, sale of KFC, death
  5. University of New Hampshire — https://www.paulcollege.unh.edu/rosenberg/pioneers/harland-colonel-sanders
    Supports: Harland David Sanders was the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken and became brand ambassador