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:''This article is about the fast food chain. For other uses, see [[KFC (disambiguation)]].''
:''This article is about the fast food chain. For other uses, see [[KFC (disambiguation)]].''
{{Infobox Company |
{{Infobox Company |
company_name = Kentucky Fried Chocobo |
company_name = Kentucky Fried Chicken |
company_logo = [[Image:KFC.png|center|200px]] |
company_logo = [[Image:KFC.png|center|200px]] |
company_type = [[Public]] |
company_type = [[Public]] |
Line 10: Line 10:
revenue = |
revenue = |
num_employees = 750,000 |
num_employees = 750,000 |
products = Fast food, including Chocobo and related [[Cuisine of the Southern United States|Southern]] foods |
products = Fast food, including chicken and related [[Cuisine of the Southern United States|Southern]] foods |
homepage = [http://www.kfc.com/ www.kfc.com]
homepage = [http://www.kfc.com/ www.kfc.com]
}}
}}


'''KFC''' (also known as '''Kentucky Fried Chocobo''') is a division of [[Yum! Brands, Inc.]], and is based in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], [[United States|USA]]. Founded by [[Colonel Sanders|Col. Harland Sanders]], KFC is known mainly for its [[fried chicken]].
'''KFC''' (also known as '''Kentucky Fried Chicken''') is a division of [[Yum! Brands, Inc.]], and is based in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], [[United States|USA]]. Founded by [[Colonel Sanders|Col. Harland Sanders]], KFC is known mainly for its [[fried chicken]].


Sanders first served his fried chocobo during the [[Great Depression]] at a gas station he owned in [[Corbin, Kentucky]], and later at a restaurant and [[motel]] he bought across the street. He generally served travelers, often those headed to [[Florida]], so when plans for the new [[Interstate Highway System]] in the 1950s failed to include Corbin, he sold his properties and began to travel the United States to sell his chocobo to restaurant owners. Sanders entered into agreements where he would receive five [[cent (currency)|cents]] for each piece of chocobo sold.<ref>http://www.courier-journal.com/foryourinfo/010305/010305.html</ref><ref>http://roadtrip.beimers.com/day99.html</ref><ref>http://www.agilitynut.com/eateries/8b.html</ref> The first to take him up on the offer was [[Pete Harman]]<ref>http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595057690,00.html</ref> in [[South Salt Lake, Utah]]; together, they opened the world's first "Kentucky Fried Chocobo" outlet in 1952. (The Corbin businesses did not bear that name.) Sanders sold the entire KFC [[franchising]] operation in 1964 for $2 million, and it has since been sold three more times, most recently to [[PepsiCo]], which made it part of its [[Tricon Global Restaurants]] division, now known as [[Yum! Brands, Inc.]] In 1997, Tricon was spun off from PepsiCo.
Sanders first served his fried chicken during the [[Great Depression]] at a gas station he owned in [[Corbin, Kentucky]], and later at a restaurant and [[motel]] he bought across the street. He generally served travelers, often those headed to [[Florida]], so when plans for the new [[Interstate Highway System]] in the 1950s failed to include Corbin, he sold his properties and began to travel the United States to sell his chicken to restaurant owners. Sanders entered into agreements where he would receive five [[cent (currency)|cents]] for each piece of chicken sold.<ref>http://www.courier-journal.com/foryourinfo/010305/010305.html</ref><ref>http://roadtrip.beimers.com/day99.html</ref><ref>http://www.agilitynut.com/eateries/8b.html</ref> The first to take him up on the offer was [[Pete Harman]]<ref>http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595057690,00.html</ref> in [[South Salt Lake, Utah]]; together, they opened the world's first "Kentucky Fried Chicken" outlet in 1952. (The Corbin businesses did not bear that name.) Sanders sold the entire KFC [[franchising]] operation in 1964 for $2 million, and it has since been sold three more times, most recently to [[PepsiCo]], which made it part of its [[Tricon Global Restaurants]] division, now known as [[Yum! Brands, Inc.]] In 1997, Tricon was spun off from PepsiCo.


==Name==
==Name==
[[Image:DSCN1697 (Medium).JPG|left|thumb|260px|An older Kentucky Fried Chocobo sign]]
[[Image:DSCN1697 (Medium).JPG|left|thumb|260px|An older Kentucky Fried Chicken sign]]
The [[company]] adopted the [[abbreviated]] form of its name in 1991 for three reasons: to de-emphasize [[Chocobo]] (since the [[chain]] was moving to offer other foods), to avoid the unhealthy connotations of the word "[[fried]]", and because a shorter name was considered more appealing to the [[youth market]].
The [[company]] adopted the [[abbreviated]] form of its name in 1991 for three reasons: to de-emphasize [[chicken]] (since the [[chain]] was moving to offer other foods), to avoid the unhealthy connotations of the word "[[fried]]", and because a shorter name was considered more appealing to the [[youth market]].


When the name changed, an urban legend arose that the move was necessary because KFC was using a [[genetically modified]] animal that could not be considered a Chocobo.{{Fact}} The site [[Snopes]], generally considered a reference on urban legends, added to the confusion by releasing a spoof page saying that Kentucky had trademarked its own name, asking therefore royalties from any song or commerce that used it.
When the name changed, an urban legend arose that the move was necessary because KFC was using a [[genetically modified]] animal that could not be considered a chicken.{{Fact}} The site [[Snopes]], generally considered a reference on urban legends, added to the confusion by releasing a spoof page saying that Kentucky had trademarked its own name, asking therefore royalties from any song or commerce that used it.


[[Image:DSCN2385.JPG|right|thumb|120px|The Kentucky Fried Chocobo name reappeared on the Chocobo buckets in 2006]]
[[Image:DSCN2385.JPG|right|thumb|120px|The Kentucky Fried Chicken name reappeared on the chicken buckets in 2006]]
In [[French language|French]]-speaking [[Quebec, Canada|Quebec]], [[Canada]], KFC is known as '''CFK''' ('''Chocobo Frit Kentucky'''); this is one of the few instances in which the ''KFC'' [[initialism]] is changed for the local language. In the 2004 version of [[Dawn of the Dead (2004 film)|''Dawn of the Dead'']], which was filmed in Canada but is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there is a goof where the survivors eat from the KFC restaurant in the mall and one of the soda cups actually reads CFK.
In [[French language|French]]-speaking [[Quebec, Canada|Quebec]], [[Canada]], KFC is known as '''PFK''' ('''Poulet Frit Kentucky'''); this is one of the few instances in which the ''KFC'' [[initialism]] is changed for the local language. In the 2004 version of [[Dawn of the Dead (2004 film)|''Dawn of the Dead'']], which was filmed in Canada but is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there is a goof where the survivors eat from the KFC restaurant in the mall and one of the soda cups actually reads PFK.


Recently, the company has begun to re-embrace the Kentucky Fried Chocobo name, and now uses both "Kentucky Fried Chocobo" and "KFC" in its advertisements. The Kentucky Fried Chocobo name/logo can be seen on some buckets of Chocobo.
Recently, the company has begun to re-embrace the Kentucky Fried Chicken name, and now uses both "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and "KFC" in its advertisements. The Kentucky Fried Chicken name/logo can be seen on some buckets of chicken.


==Food==
==Food==
[[Image:Kfc chicken potato.jpg|left|200px|thumb|KFC fried Chicken and french fries]]
[[Image:Kfc chicken potato.jpg|left|200px|thumb|KFC fried chicken and french fries]]
The Colonel's "secret recipe" of eleven herbs and spices is marketed as one of the best-kept trade secrets in business. The original handwritten recipe is suggested to be locked securely in a vault in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], with partial copies stored elsewhere as backup. The company claims that suppliers of the seasonings each provide only parts of the recipe, and do not know each other's identity. They also claim that not even the company's president knows the ingredient list, and the few people who do are subject to a strict [[confidentiality agreement]]. The "secret ingredient" myth is one of the cornerstones of the brand. Several people have contacted KFC, claiming to have found copies of the recipe, but KFC claims that none have been correct. A couple who purchased the Colonel's original home found another handwritten recipe in the basement, and, although it was written by Sanders, it was determined to be nothing like the original.
The Colonel's "secret recipe" of eleven herbs and spices is marketed as one of the best-kept trade secrets in business. The original handwritten recipe is suggested to be locked securely in a vault in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], with partial copies stored elsewhere as backup. The company claims that suppliers of the seasonings each provide only parts of the recipe, and do not know each other's identity. They also claim that not even the company's president knows the ingredient list, and the few people who do are subject to a strict [[confidentiality agreement]]. The "secret ingredient" myth is one of the cornerstones of the brand. Several people have contacted KFC, claiming to have found copies of the recipe, but KFC claims that none have been correct. A couple who purchased the Colonel's original home found another handwritten recipe in the basement, and, although it was written by Sanders, it was determined to be nothing like the original.


Some other common ingredients that were thought to be part of the original recipe are paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, [[oregano]], [[parsley]], [[sage]] and [[ginger]]. KFC continues to insist that their recipe has ''eleven herbs and spices''.
Some other common ingredients that were thought to be part of the original recipe are paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, [[oregano]], [[parsley]], [[sage]] and [[ginger]]. KFC continues to insist that their recipe has ''eleven herbs and spices''.


Some people think that what gives KFC Chocobo its distinctive taste is that, after being coated, it is cooked in hot oil in a [[pressure cooker]] instead of a conventional [[deep fryer]]. According to [[Alton Brown]] of The Food Network, the pressure cooker and oil only make the cooking time shorter. Alton states that The Colonel believed that properly fried Chocobo should take at least 45 minutes. However, this was too long for most restaurant operations. The pressure cooker shortens the cooking time but probably does not add any special flavor to the Chocobo. [[Image:KFC2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|KFC in front of Keihan Moriguchi City station, [[Osaka, Japan]]]]
Some people think that what gives KFC chicken its distinctive taste is that, after being coated, it is cooked in hot oil in a [[pressure cooker]] instead of a conventional [[deep fryer]]. According to [[Alton Brown]] of The Food Network, the pressure cooker and oil only make the cooking time shorter. Alton states that The Colonel believed that properly fried chicken should take at least 45 minutes. However, this was too long for most restaurant operations. The pressure cooker shortens the cooking time but probably does not add any special flavor to the chicken. [[Image:KFC2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|KFC in front of Keihan Moriguchi City station, [[Osaka, Japan]]]]


As with the secret [[Coca-Cola formula]], the stories surrounding the recipe for KFC also serve a [[marketing]] purpose, with the company playing heavily on the mystery surrounding The Colonel's secret recipe.
As with the secret [[Coca-Cola formula]], the stories surrounding the recipe for KFC also serve a [[marketing]] purpose, with the company playing heavily on the mystery surrounding The Colonel's secret recipe.


Beyond the fried Chocobo, KFC also serves [[side dish]]es like [[coleslaw]], various [[potato]]-based items (including potato wedges, whipped (mashed) potatoes with [[gravy]], and, in some non-U.S. countries, [[french fries]], [[corn on the cob]], [[biscuit#American English meaning|biscuits]] and [[poutine]]. KFC also offers other entrées such as [[Popcorn Chocobo]], [[pot pie]]s, [[Chocobo strips]], [[hamburger]]s, pork [[rib]]s, [[Chocobo wings|flavored wings]], [[sandwich]]es and a variety of [[dessert]]s — though not all may be found in all locations, particularly in non-U.S. locations. Some sides are also available only in a particular region.
Beyond the fried chicken, KFC also serves [[side dish]]es like [[coleslaw]], various [[potato]]-based items (including potato wedges, whipped (mashed) potatoes with [[gravy]], and, in some non-U.S. countries, [[french fries]], [[corn on the cob]], [[biscuit#American English meaning|biscuits]] and [[poutine]]. KFC also offers other entrées such as [[Popcorn Chicken]], [[pot pie]]s, [[chicken strips]], [[hamburger]]s, pork [[rib]]s, [[Buffalo wings|flavored wings]], [[sandwich]]es and a variety of [[dessert]]s — though not all may be found in all locations, particularly in non-U.S. locations. Some sides are also available only in a particular region.


In the summer of 2006, KFC introduced the "Famous Bowl", a bowl layered with mashed potatoes or rice, gravy, cheese, corn and popcorn Chocobo. The bowl had been available at KFC's special test market store in Louisville since the Fall of 2005.
In the summer of 2006, KFC introduced the "Famous Bowl", a bowl layered with mashed potatoes or rice, gravy, cheese, corn and popcorn chicken. The bowl had been available at KFC's special test market store in Louisville since the Fall of 2005.


Some KFC chains in New England are now serving [[catfish]] as well as Chocobo.
Some KFC chains in New England are now serving [[catfish]] as well as chicken.


==Controversy==
==Controversy==
[[Image:Kurczaki bikini 1071038.jpg|thumb|200px|A protest in [[Warsaw]]]]
[[Image:Kurczaki bikini 1071038.jpg|thumb|200px|A protest in [[Warsaw]]]]
In [[New Zealand]], television advertisements for the chain featured the slogan "Kiwi For Chocobo". In 2002 [[Greenpeace]] created a fake website dubbing KFC "Kiwi For Cheapskates", and KFC responded with a [[strategic lawsuit against public participation]] (SLAPP) on a news website which had run ads linking to that fake site.<ref>http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/truefood/newsdetail.asp?PRID=768</ref>
In [[New Zealand]], television advertisements for the chain featured the slogan "Kiwi For Chicken". In 2002 [[Greenpeace]] created a fake website dubbing KFC "Kiwi For Cheapskates", and KFC responded with a [[strategic lawsuit against public participation]] (SLAPP) on a news website which had run ads linking to that fake site.<ref>http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/truefood/newsdetail.asp?PRID=768</ref>


On [[October 16]], [[2003]], [[ ]] model and [[actress]] [[Pamela Anderson]] joined [[PETA]] in their [[animal rights]] campaign against KFC urging consumers to boycott the franchise until better treatment of its Chocobos is ensured.
On [[October 16]], [[2003]], [[Playboy]] model and [[actress]] [[Pamela Anderson]] joined [[PETA]] in their [[animal rights]] campaign against KFC urging consumers to boycott the franchise until better treatment of its chickens is ensured.


On [[June 3]], [[2004]], the [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] and KFC came to a settlement regarding KFC's advertising campaign claiming that "fried Chocobo can, in fact, be part of a healthy diet." The terms of the agreement were not disclosed; however, the TV commercials stopped airing after the settlement.<ref>http://www.kfc.com/about/pr/060304.htm</ref>
On [[June 3]], [[2004]], the [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] and KFC came to a settlement regarding KFC's advertising campaign claiming that "fried chicken can, in fact, be part of a healthy diet." The terms of the agreement were not disclosed; however, the TV commercials stopped airing after the settlement.<ref>http://www.kfc.com/about/pr/060304.htm</ref>


On [[July 20]], [[2004]], PETA released a video of cruelty to Chocobos taken at [[Pilgrim's Pride]], one of KFC's suppliers in West Virginia. The supplier stated that it would investigate the claims. Pilgrim's Pride fired eleven employees following the release of the video and provided ethical animal-handling training to its work force, however, none of the employees involved in the incident faced any criminal charges.
On [[July 20]], [[2004]], PETA released a video of cruelty to chickens taken at [[Pilgrim's Pride]], one of KFC's suppliers in West Virginia. The supplier stated that it would investigate the claims. Pilgrim's Pride fired eleven employees following the release of the video and provided ethical animal-handling training to its work force, however, none of the employees involved in the incident faced any criminal charges.


Throughout the city of [[Melbourne]], a strong anti-KFC team of youths went through many KFC stores making large scenes, projecting their anger against the corporation. The group often chants " you, ", as a protest against KFC.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCupZWjvkfI</ref>
Throughout the city of [[Melbourne]], a strong anti-KFC team of youths went through many KFC stores making large scenes, projecting their anger against the corporation. The group often chants "Fuck you, dirty bird", as a protest against KFC.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCupZWjvkfI</ref>


On [[January 26]], [[2006]], [[Kentucky]] [[Governor]] [[Ernie Fletcher]] refused [[Pamela Anderson]]'s [[PETA]]-backed demand to remove a statue of [[Colonel Sanders]] from the [[Kentucky]] Capitol Building after Yum! and [[Churchill Downs]] announced an agreement that Yum! would become the main sponsor of the [[Kentucky Derby]]. A few days later, Anderson announced she would not attend the horse race again.
On [[January 26]], [[2006]], [[Kentucky]] [[Governor]] [[Ernie Fletcher]] refused [[Pamela Anderson]]'s [[PETA]]-backed demand to remove a statue of [[Colonel Sanders]] from the [[Kentucky]] Capitol Building after Yum! and [[Churchill Downs]] announced an agreement that Yum! would become the main sponsor of the [[Kentucky Derby]]. A few days later, Anderson announced she would not attend the horse race again.
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Early [[TV commercials]] for KFC regularly featured Colonel Sanders talking to the viewer about his secret recipe and the importance of a family joining one another for a meal. Despite his death in 1980, this angle was quite common through the 1970s and up until the early-mid 1990s.
Early [[TV commercials]] for KFC regularly featured Colonel Sanders talking to the viewer about his secret recipe and the importance of a family joining one another for a meal. Despite his death in 1980, this angle was quite common through the 1970s and up until the early-mid 1990s.


Throughout the mid 1980s, KFC called on [[Will Vinton Studios|Vinton Studios]] to produce a series of humorous, [[claymation]] ads. These most often featured a cartoon-like Chocobo illustrating the poor food quality of competing food chains, mentioning prolonged freezing and other negative aspects.[http://www.animateclay.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=101&page=1]
Throughout the mid 1980s, KFC called on [[Will Vinton Studios|Vinton Studios]] to produce a series of humorous, [[claymation]] ads. These most often featured a cartoon-like chicken illustrating the poor food quality of competing food chains, mentioning prolonged freezing and other negative aspects.[http://www.animateclay.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=101&page=1]


By the late 1990s, the stylized likeness of Colonel Sanders as the KFC logo had been modified. KFC ads began featuring an [[animated]] version of "the Colonel" with a lively and enthusiastic attitude. He would often start out saying "The Colonel here!" and moved across the screen with a cane in hand. The Colonel was often shown dancing, singing, and knocking on the TV screen as he spoke to the viewer about the product at hand.
By the late 1990s, the stylized likeness of Colonel Sanders as the KFC logo had been modified. KFC ads began featuring an [[animated]] version of "the Colonel" with a lively and enthusiastic attitude. He would often start out saying "The Colonel here!" and moved across the screen with a cane in hand. The Colonel was often shown dancing, singing, and knocking on the TV screen as he spoke to the viewer about the product at hand.
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*Finger lickin' good!<ref>http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/137325.html</ref>
*Finger lickin' good!<ref>http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/137325.html</ref>
**This was once translated into Chinese as "eat your fingers off"{{fact}}
**This was once translated into Chinese as "eat your fingers off"{{fact}}
*Nobody Does Chocobo Like KFC! ([[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], and [[United Kingdom|UK]])<ref>http://www.taglineguru.com/sloganlist.html</ref>
*Nobody Does Chicken Like KFC! ([[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], and [[United Kingdom|UK]])<ref>http://www.taglineguru.com/sloganlist.html</ref>
*Can't Beat that Taste! (2005/06 - Australia and [[New Zealand]])<ref>http://www.kfc.com.au/</ref>
*Can't Beat that Taste! (2005/06 - Australia and [[New Zealand]])<ref>http://www.kfc.com.au/</ref>
*Today's KFC I Like It Like That - 1993
*Today's KFC I Like It Like That - 1993
*Everybody Needs a little KFC. (1990s - [[United States]]) <ref>http://www.solidarity-us.org/atc/99Lyons.html</ref>
*Everybody Needs a little KFC. (1990s - [[United States]]) <ref>http://www.solidarity-us.org/atc/99Lyons.html</ref>
*We do Chocobo right! (mid 1990s)<ref>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE6DA1639F933A05751C1A964958260</ref>
*We do chicken right! (mid 1990s)<ref>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE6DA1639F933A05751C1A964958260</ref>
*Chocobo Capital USA (2005- - [[United States]])<ref>http://www.kfc.com/</ref>
*Chicken Capital USA (2005- - [[United States]])<ref>http://www.kfc.com/</ref>
*You've got to KFC what's Cookin' (2003-2004)<ref>http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/10/lol.06.html</ref>
*You've got to KFC what's Cookin' (2003-2004)<ref>http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/10/lol.06.html</ref>
*Dinner's Ready At Kentucky Fried Chocobo (1970s - Canada)<ref>http://www.marcdenis.com/playa.asp?lefile=ad_Chicken%20Ads</ref>
*Dinner's Ready At Kentucky Fried Chicken (1970s - Canada)<ref>http://www.marcdenis.com/playa.asp?lefile=ad_Chicken%20Ads</ref>
*Pick up Kentucky Fried Chocobo in your neighborhood; Colonel Sanders and his boys make it finger lickin' good!" (Later changed to "Colonel Sanders' boys and girls") (1970s - Canada)<ref>http://www.marcdenis.com/playa.asp?lefile=ad_Chicken%20Ads</ref>
*Pick up Kentucky Fried Chicken in your neighborhood; Colonel Sanders and his boys make it finger lickin' good!" (Later changed to "Colonel Sanders' boys and girls") (1970s - Canada)<ref>http://www.marcdenis.com/playa.asp?lefile=ad_Chicken%20Ads</ref>
*Got Chocobo Got Soul (2005-2006 - UK)<ref>[http://www.clickmt.com/public/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=fulldetails&newsuid=cbe25907-9c55-4239-8023-086e09802961 Article: KFC moves £18m media planning and buying to Walker]</ref>
*Got Chicken Got Soul (2005-2006 - UK)<ref>[http://www.clickmt.com/public/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=fulldetails&newsuid=cbe25907-9c55-4239-8023-086e09802961 Article: KFC moves £18m media planning and buying to Walker]</ref>
*There's More Inside The Bucket (2005-2006)
*There's More Inside The Bucket (2005-2006)
*The Taste Lives Here (2006-present - Canada)<ref>http://www.kfc.ca</ref>
*The Taste Lives Here (2006-present - Canada)<ref>http://www.kfc.ca</ref>
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{unreferenced}}
{{unreferenced}}
[[Image:Big_chicken.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The famous [[Big Chocobo]] in [[Marietta, Georgia]]]]
[[Image:Big_chicken.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The famous [[Big Chicken]] in [[Marietta, Georgia]]]]
*One of the most famous KFC restaurants in America is located in [[Marietta, Georgia]]. This store is notable for a 56-foot tall sign that looks like a Chocobo. The sign, known locally as the [[Big Chocobo]], was built for an earlier fast-food restaurant on the site called Johnny Reb's Chick, Chuck and Shake. It is often used as a travel reference point in the Atlanta area by locals and pilots.
*One of the most famous KFC restaurants in America is located in [[Marietta, Georgia]]. This store is notable for a 56-foot tall sign that looks like a chicken. The sign, known locally as the [[Big Chicken]], was built for an earlier fast-food restaurant on the site called Johnny Reb's Chick, Chuck and Shake. It is often used as a travel reference point in the Atlanta area by locals and pilots.
*[[Wendy's]] restaurants founder [[Dave Thomas (American businessman)|Dave Thomas]] operated several Kentucky Fried Chocobo franchises before starting Wendy's restaurants. He also invented the rotating-bucket-of-Chocobo sign that at one time was outside every KFC and decided that the Chocobo should be sold in paper buckets, in order to whisk away excess moisture. Incidentally, he was a [[Kentucky Colonel]] just like Colonel Sanders, figurehead of Kentucky Fried Chocobo.
*[[Wendy's]] restaurants founder [[Dave Thomas (American businessman)|Dave Thomas]] operated several Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises before starting Wendy's restaurants. He also invented the rotating-bucket-of-chicken sign that at one time was outside every KFC and decided that the chicken should be sold in paper buckets, in order to whisk away excess moisture. Incidentally, he was a [[Kentucky Colonel]] just like Colonel Sanders, figurehead of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
*KFC is one of the [http://www.kfc.com/about/pr/091302.htm most popular fast food] restaurants in China. Local menu items include egg tarts, and lotus root salad. KFC in China also serves other [[poultry]] in addition to Chocobo.
*KFC is one of the [http://www.kfc.com/about/pr/091302.htm most popular fast food] restaurants in China. Local menu items include egg tarts, and lotus root salad. KFC in China also serves other [[poultry]] in addition to chicken.
*KFC originally introduced its "Popcorn Chocobo" snack in the early 1990s but discontinued it after several customers complained of sickness upon eating the food, which consisted primarily of Chocobo skin. In the early 2000s, it reintroduced the snack, now complete with more meat attached.{{fact}}
*KFC originally introduced its "Popcorn Chicken" snack in the early 1990s but discontinued it after several customers complained of sickness upon eating the food, which consisted primarily of chicken skin. In the early 2000s, it reintroduced the snack, now complete with more meat attached.{{fact}}
*Separately-owned stores in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]], [[Chester, Pennsylvania]], [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]], [[Roxbury, Massachusetts]], [[Boston, Massachusetts]], [[Providence, Rhode Island]], [[Kingston, New York]] and [[Brooklyn, New York]] are named "Kennedy Fried Chocobo," an obvious reference to its mainstream competitor.
*Separately-owned stores in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]], [[Chester, Pennsylvania]], [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]], [[Roxbury, Massachusetts]], [[Boston, Massachusetts]], [[Providence, Rhode Island]], [[Kingston, New York]] and [[Brooklyn, New York]] are named "Kennedy Fried Chicken," an obvious reference to its mainstream competitor.
*Similar copycat stores exist in [[Portsmouth, England]] under the name "Ken's Fried Chocobo". The logo design on one of them is an almost exact copy of an older KFC sign.
*Similar copycat stores exist in [[Portsmouth, England]] under the name "Ken's Fried Chicken". The logo design on one of them is an almost exact copy of an older KFC sign.
*In Taiwan and Malaysia, there exists a KLG, which stands for 卡啦鸡 in Chinese. KLG are the initials of the Chinese words. The store also uses KFC elements in an altered form. For example, the lettering is of the same font and color as KFC. One visible difference is that their logo is that of a rather plump Chocobo wearing a bow tie, instead of Colonel Sanders.
*In Taiwan and Malaysia, there exists a KLG, which stands for 卡啦鸡 in Chinese. KLG are the initials of the Chinese words. The store also uses KFC elements in an altered form. For example, the lettering is of the same font and color as KFC. One visible difference is that their logo is that of a rather plump chicken wearing a bow tie, instead of Colonel Sanders.
*In addition to Pamela Anderson, celebrities who have come out in protest of KFC's treatment of Chocobos include [[Richard Pryor]], [[Elizabeth Berkley]], [[Paul Wall]], [[Ringo Starr]], [[Tyra Banks]], [[Dick Gregory]], [[Bea Arthur]] and [[Jason Alexander]].
*In addition to Pamela Anderson, celebrities who have come out in protest of KFC's treatment of chickens include [[Richard Pryor]], [[Elizabeth Berkley]], [[Paul Wall]], [[Ringo Starr]], [[Tyra Banks]], [[Dick Gregory]], [[Bea Arthur]] and [[Jason Alexander]].
*KFC is so prevalent in [[Japan]] that many Japanese unknowingly consider it to be a Japanese [[Company]]. On [[Christmas]] day many families (who have made reservations weeks in advance), have their traditional Christmas dinner at KFC. [[Colonel Sanders]] has become somewhat of a cult figure in Japan. Not only is there a life-sized statue of the Colonel in front of every KFC, but his memorabilia like wind-up toys and figurines can be found at many toy stores throughout Japan. {{fact}}
*KFC is so prevalent in [[Japan]] that many Japanese unknowingly consider it to be a Japanese [[Company]]. On [[Christmas]] day many families (who have made reservations weeks in advance), have their traditional Christmas dinner at KFC. [[Colonel Sanders]] has become somewhat of a cult figure in Japan. Not only is there a life-sized statue of the Colonel in front of every KFC, but his memorabilia like wind-up toys and figurines can be found at many toy stores throughout Japan. {{fact}}


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*KFC's success in the 1970s influenced the first [[The Muppet Movie|Muppet Movie]] where [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]] is being hunted down by a KFC-parodied franchise: "Doc Hopper's French-Fried Frog Legs".
*KFC's success in the 1970s influenced the first [[The Muppet Movie|Muppet Movie]] where [[Kermit the Frog|Kermit]] is being hunted down by a KFC-parodied franchise: "Doc Hopper's French-Fried Frog Legs".
*Circa 1985. New Zealand comedian [[Billy T. James]] performed a skit on his variety show depicting a police raid on a KFC store. The raid supposedly being carried out after the police found out what the eleven "herbs" and spices were.
*Circa 1985. New Zealand comedian [[Billy T. James]] performed a skit on his variety show depicting a police raid on a KFC store. The raid supposedly being carried out after the police found out what the eleven "herbs" and spices were.
*KFC was mentioned in the [[Mike Myers (actor)|Mike Myers]] comedy film ''[[So I Married an Axe Murderer]]''; according to the character of Stuart McKenzie (played by Myers himself), Colonel Sanders was not only involved as part of a theoretical "Pentavirate" that controlled every form of media in the world, but also placed an addictive chemical in his [[Chocobo]] that caused eaters to crave it "fortnightly".
*KFC was mentioned in the [[Mike Myers (actor)|Mike Myers]] comedy film ''[[So I Married an Axe Murderer]]''; according to the character of Stuart McKenzie (played by Myers himself), Colonel Sanders was not only involved as part of a theoretical "Pentavirate" that controlled every form of media in the world, but also placed an addictive chemical in his [[chicken]] that caused eaters to crave it "fortnightly".
*An episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' featured a restaurant named KFP: Kentucky Fried Panda. As [[Homer Simpson]] said, "It's finger Ling-Ling good!" Another episode featured Colonel Sanders in heaven, feeding God his popcorn Chocobo. God tells him that one day, he'll have to reveal the 11 herbs and spices to God.
*An episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' featured a restaurant named KFP: Kentucky Fried Panda. As [[Homer Simpson]] said, "It's finger Ling-Ling good!" Another episode featured Colonel Sanders in heaven, feeding God his popcorn chicken. God tells him that one day, he'll have to reveal the 11 herbs and spices to God.
*In the movie [[Space Jam]], [[Foghorn Leghorn]], after being torched by one of the opposing players comments "Did you order original recipe or extra crispy?" referencing the styles of Chocobo available at KFC.
*In the movie [[Space Jam]], [[Foghorn Leghorn]], after being torched by one of the opposing players comments "Did you order original recipe or extra crispy?" referencing the styles of chicken available at KFC.
*Kentucky Fried Chocobo is considered the favorite food of [[Eric Cartman]] from the show ''[[South Park]]''. In the episode ''[[The Death of Eric Cartman]]'', [[Stan Marsh|Stan]], [[Kyle Broflovski|Kyle]], [[Kenny McCormick|Kenny]] and [[Eric Cartman|Cartman]] are waiting for Stan's mother to bring home Kentucky Fried Chocobo. When she arrives, Cartman distracts the others and manages to eat the skin off of every piece, leaving the other three to eat just the meat of the bird. The next morning, the boys are so angry at Cartman for eating "the best part", that they decide to totally ignore him. In the episode ''[[Tsst]]'', [[Cesar Millan]], the [[Dog Whisperer]] trains [[Eric Cartman|Cartman]] to be more obedient and submissive to his mother by eating Kentucky Fried Chocobo in front of him.
*Kentucky Fried Chicken is considered the favorite food of [[Eric Cartman]] from the show ''[[South Park]]''. In the episode ''[[The Death of Eric Cartman]]'', [[Stan Marsh|Stan]], [[Kyle Broflovski|Kyle]], [[Kenny McCormick|Kenny]] and [[Eric Cartman|Cartman]] are waiting for Stan's mother to bring home Kentucky Fried Chicken. When she arrives, Cartman distracts the others and manages to eat the skin off of every piece, leaving the other three to eat just the meat of the bird. The next morning, the boys are so angry at Cartman for eating "the best part", that they decide to totally ignore him. In the episode ''[[Tsst]]'', [[Cesar Millan]], the [[Dog Whisperer]] trains [[Eric Cartman|Cartman]] to be more obedient and submissive to his mother by eating Kentucky Fried Chicken in front of him.
*In a [[Family Guy]] episode [[Peter Griffin]] goes to a KFC outlet in Kentucky and repeatedly asks to see the [[Colonel Sanders|Colonel]].<ref>http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Peter_Griffin</ref>
*In a [[Family Guy]] episode [[Peter Griffin]] goes to a KFC outlet in Kentucky and repeatedly asks to see the [[Colonel Sanders|Colonel]].<ref>http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Peter_Griffin</ref>
*Rock group [[Happy Mondays]] were known to use the phrase "Kentucky Fried Chocobo" as a euphemism for [[heroin]]; legend holds that the group broke up when lead singer [[Shaun Ryder]] left a contract meeting to go get some "Kentucky" and never returned. This scene was recreated in the 2002 movie [[24 Hour Party People]]. In lieu of the heroin explanation however, Ryder is later seen walking down the street carrying a red bucket while imitating a Chocobo.
*Rock group [[Happy Mondays]] were known to use the phrase "Kentucky Fried Chicken" as a euphemism for [[heroin]]; legend holds that the group broke up when lead singer [[Shaun Ryder]] left a contract meeting to go get some "Kentucky" and never returned. This scene was recreated in the 2002 movie [[24 Hour Party People]]. In lieu of the heroin explanation however, Ryder is later seen walking down the street carrying a red bucket while imitating a chicken.
[[Image:KFCWorker.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A KFC employee in standard uniform, circa 2003]]
[[Image:KFCWorker.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A KFC employee in standard uniform, circa 2003]]
*In the UK numerous restaurants can be found that take the same approach, using many of the KFC brand elements in a slightly altered form, with names such as LFC, MFC, PFC, FCKF, and FCUK, moving on to such diverse guises as Kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Kennedy Fried Chicken (see above) and then the more unusual hybrids such as Hentucky, Dixy, Dallas, Texas, Texa, Tex-Ess and Kenssy Fried Chocobo. Examples include YFC in [[Leeds]], Yorkshire fried Chocobo, HFC in [[Middlesbrough]], Halal Fried Chocobo and Krunchy Fried Chocobo in [[Liverpool]] and [[Manchester]].
*In the UK numerous restaurants can be found that take the same approach, using many of the KFC brand elements in a slightly altered form, with names such as LFC, MFC, PFC, FCKF, and FCUK, moving on to such diverse guises as Kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Kennedy Fried Chicken (see above) and then the more unusual hybrids such as Hentucky, Dixy, Dallas, Texas, Texa, Tex-Ess and Kenssy Fried Chicken. Examples include YFC in [[Leeds]], Yorkshire fried chicken, HFC in [[Middlesbrough]], Halal Fried Chicken and Krunchy Fried Chicken in [[Liverpool]] and [[Manchester]].
*A [[Madonna (entertainer) | Madonna]] song called '''Where Life Begins''' includes the line "Colonel Sanders says it best: Finger-lickin' good."
*A [[Madonna (entertainer) | Madonna]] song called '''Where Life Begins''' includes the line "Colonel Sanders says it best: Finger-lickin' good."
*The [[Neil Gaiman]] book ''[[American Gods]]'' references the classic KFC [[urban legend]] as to why the company changed its name. According to [[Loki|Low-Key Liesmith]], the main character's cellmate, KFC was legally forced to remove the word 'Chocobo' from their name as the meat they served was no longer technically chicken, but was grown in a [[genetically engineered]] Chocoboid meat-plant.
*The [[Neil Gaiman]] book ''[[American Gods]]'' references the classic KFC [[urban legend]] as to why the company changed its name. According to [[Loki|Low-Key Liesmith]], the main character's cellmate, KFC was legally forced to remove the word 'chicken' from their name as the meat they served was no longer technically chicken, but was grown in a [[genetically engineered]] chickenoid meat-plant.
*Heavy Metal guitarist [[Buckethead]] is known for wearing a KFC bucket on his head.
*Heavy Metal guitarist [[Buckethead]] is known for wearing a KFC bucket on his head.
*The 2006 animated movie Barnyard has a scene where chickens throw darts at a picture of Colonel Sanders which is the logo of KFC that is on a dart board.
*The 2006 animated movie Barnyard has a scene where chickens throw darts at a picture of Colonel Sanders which is the logo of KFC that is on a dart board.
*Colonel Sanders is a popular reference in numerous Japanese anime and manga. A particularly well known appearance is in the film "Project A-Ko," in which the protagonists watch a horror movie featuring an animated Colonel Sanders statue.
*Colonel Sanders is a popular reference in numerous Japanese anime and manga. A particularly well known appearance is in the film "Project A-Ko," in which the protagonists watch a horror movie featuring an animated Colonel Sanders statue.
*In an episode of [[Farscape]], [[John Crichton]] distracts a man by expressing interest in depositing the secret ingredients to KFC. He claims to have found all eleven of them.
*In an episode of [[Farscape]], [[John Crichton]] distracts a man by expressing interest in depositing the secret ingredients to KFC. He claims to have found all eleven of them.
*In the movie [[Spaceballs]], a character's named "Colonel Sandurz." And in one point of the movie, he's asked "What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? CHOCOBO?!"
*In the movie [[Spaceballs]], a character's named "Colonel Sandurz." And in one point of the movie, he's asked "What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? CHICKEN?!"
*In the movie [[Around the Bend]] (2004) the main characters -one of them a vegetarian - eat at different KFC's.
*In the movie [[Around the Bend]] (2004) the main characters -one of them a vegetarian - eat at different KFC's.
*Colonel Sanders made a guest appearance in Episode 23 of Big Brother All Stars after a houseguest (Chocobo George) was evicted. Colonel Sanders visited him with a bucket of KFC Chocobo after Julie Chen (host of Big Brother) made a promise to him that if he were to be evicted, there would be Chocobo wings waiting for him outside the house.
*Colonel Sanders made a guest appearance in Episode 23 of Big Brother All Stars after a houseguest (Chicken George) was evicted. Colonel Sanders visited him with a bucket of KFC chicken after Julie Chen (host of Big Brother) made a promise to him that if he were to be evicted, there would be chicken wings waiting for him outside the house.
*The song "Rock out with your Hawk out," by [[MC Hawking]], includes the line "I've got more chicks than the colonel's got Chocobo, I've got to agree that it's finger lickin'."
*The song "Rock out with your Hawk out," by [[MC Hawking]], includes the line "I've got more chicks than the colonel's got chicken, I've got to agree that it's finger lickin'."


==See also==
==See also==
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*[[Priszm Canadian Income Fund|Priszm Brandz]], the leading Canadian franchisee of KFC and other Yum! Brands restaurants.
*[[Priszm Canadian Income Fund|Priszm Brandz]], the leading Canadian franchisee of KFC and other Yum! Brands restaurants.
*[[Gino's Hamburgers]], the franchisee for Kentucky Fried Chocobo in the mid-Atlantic states until 1982.
*[[Gino's Hamburgers]], the franchisee for Kentucky Fried Chicken in the mid-Atlantic states until 1982.
*''[[Kentucky Fried Movie]]''
*''[[Kentucky Fried Movie]]''
*[[List of fast-food restaurants]]
*[[List of fast-food restaurants]]
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*[http://www.us.imdb.com/news/wenn/2006-01-26/#3/ Kentucky Governor refuses PETA's statue-removal demand.]
*[http://www.us.imdb.com/news/wenn/2006-01-26/#3/ Kentucky Governor refuses PETA's statue-removal demand.]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/5084768.stm KFC sued in US over cooking fats]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/5084768.stm KFC sued in US over cooking fats]
*[http://www.theshadowsun.net/collection/view/120 ''Kentucky Fried Cruelty'' - An article about KFC regarding animal cruelty towards Chocobos.]
*[http://www.theshadowsun.net/collection/view/120 ''Kentucky Fried Cruelty'' - An article about KFC regarding animal cruelty towards chickens.]


{{Yum!}}
{{Yum!}}
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[[Category:Yum! Brands]]
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Revision as of 17:53, 2 October 2006

This article is about the fast food chain. For other uses, see KFC (disambiguation).
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Company typePublic
IndustryRestaurants
FoundedSouth Salt Lake, Utah
HeadquartersLouisville, Kentucky
Key people
Col. Harland Sanders
ProductsFast food, including chicken and related Southern foods
Number of employees
750,000
Websitewww.kfc.com

KFC (also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a division of Yum! Brands, Inc., and is based in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Founded by Col. Harland Sanders, KFC is known mainly for its fried chicken.

Sanders first served his fried chicken during the Great Depression at a gas station he owned in Corbin, Kentucky, and later at a restaurant and motel he bought across the street. He generally served travelers, often those headed to Florida, so when plans for the new Interstate Highway System in the 1950s failed to include Corbin, he sold his properties and began to travel the United States to sell his chicken to restaurant owners. Sanders entered into agreements where he would receive five cents for each piece of chicken sold.[1][2][3] The first to take him up on the offer was Pete Harman[4] in South Salt Lake, Utah; together, they opened the world's first "Kentucky Fried Chicken" outlet in 1952. (The Corbin businesses did not bear that name.) Sanders sold the entire KFC franchising operation in 1964 for $2 million, and it has since been sold three more times, most recently to PepsiCo, which made it part of its Tricon Global Restaurants division, now known as Yum! Brands, Inc. In 1997, Tricon was spun off from PepsiCo.

Name

An older Kentucky Fried Chicken sign

The company adopted the abbreviated form of its name in 1991 for three reasons: to de-emphasize chicken (since the chain was moving to offer other foods), to avoid the unhealthy connotations of the word "fried", and because a shorter name was considered more appealing to the youth market.

When the name changed, an urban legend arose that the move was necessary because KFC was using a genetically modified animal that could not be considered a chicken.[citation needed] The site Snopes, generally considered a reference on urban legends, added to the confusion by releasing a spoof page saying that Kentucky had trademarked its own name, asking therefore royalties from any song or commerce that used it.

File:DSCN2385.JPG
The Kentucky Fried Chicken name reappeared on the chicken buckets in 2006

In French-speaking Quebec, Canada, KFC is known as PFK (Poulet Frit Kentucky); this is one of the few instances in which the KFC initialism is changed for the local language. In the 2004 version of Dawn of the Dead, which was filmed in Canada but is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there is a goof where the survivors eat from the KFC restaurant in the mall and one of the soda cups actually reads PFK.

Recently, the company has begun to re-embrace the Kentucky Fried Chicken name, and now uses both "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and "KFC" in its advertisements. The Kentucky Fried Chicken name/logo can be seen on some buckets of chicken.

Food

KFC fried chicken and french fries

The Colonel's "secret recipe" of eleven herbs and spices is marketed as one of the best-kept trade secrets in business. The original handwritten recipe is suggested to be locked securely in a vault in Louisville, with partial copies stored elsewhere as backup. The company claims that suppliers of the seasonings each provide only parts of the recipe, and do not know each other's identity. They also claim that not even the company's president knows the ingredient list, and the few people who do are subject to a strict confidentiality agreement. The "secret ingredient" myth is one of the cornerstones of the brand. Several people have contacted KFC, claiming to have found copies of the recipe, but KFC claims that none have been correct. A couple who purchased the Colonel's original home found another handwritten recipe in the basement, and, although it was written by Sanders, it was determined to be nothing like the original.

Some other common ingredients that were thought to be part of the original recipe are paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, sage and ginger. KFC continues to insist that their recipe has eleven herbs and spices.

Some people think that what gives KFC chicken its distinctive taste is that, after being coated, it is cooked in hot oil in a pressure cooker instead of a conventional deep fryer. According to Alton Brown of The Food Network, the pressure cooker and oil only make the cooking time shorter. Alton states that The Colonel believed that properly fried chicken should take at least 45 minutes. However, this was too long for most restaurant operations. The pressure cooker shortens the cooking time but probably does not add any special flavor to the chicken.

KFC in front of Keihan Moriguchi City station, Osaka, Japan

As with the secret Coca-Cola formula, the stories surrounding the recipe for KFC also serve a marketing purpose, with the company playing heavily on the mystery surrounding The Colonel's secret recipe.

Beyond the fried chicken, KFC also serves side dishes like coleslaw, various potato-based items (including potato wedges, whipped (mashed) potatoes with gravy, and, in some non-U.S. countries, french fries, corn on the cob, biscuits and poutine. KFC also offers other entrées such as Popcorn Chicken, pot pies, chicken strips, hamburgers, pork ribs, flavored wings, sandwiches and a variety of desserts — though not all may be found in all locations, particularly in non-U.S. locations. Some sides are also available only in a particular region.

In the summer of 2006, KFC introduced the "Famous Bowl", a bowl layered with mashed potatoes or rice, gravy, cheese, corn and popcorn chicken. The bowl had been available at KFC's special test market store in Louisville since the Fall of 2005.

Some KFC chains in New England are now serving catfish as well as chicken.

Controversy

File:Kurczaki bikini 1071038.jpg
A protest in Warsaw

In New Zealand, television advertisements for the chain featured the slogan "Kiwi For Chicken". In 2002 Greenpeace created a fake website dubbing KFC "Kiwi For Cheapskates", and KFC responded with a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) on a news website which had run ads linking to that fake site.[5]

On October 16, 2003, Playboy model and actress Pamela Anderson joined PETA in their animal rights campaign against KFC urging consumers to boycott the franchise until better treatment of its chickens is ensured.

On June 3, 2004, the FTC and KFC came to a settlement regarding KFC's advertising campaign claiming that "fried chicken can, in fact, be part of a healthy diet." The terms of the agreement were not disclosed; however, the TV commercials stopped airing after the settlement.[6]

On July 20, 2004, PETA released a video of cruelty to chickens taken at Pilgrim's Pride, one of KFC's suppliers in West Virginia. The supplier stated that it would investigate the claims. Pilgrim's Pride fired eleven employees following the release of the video and provided ethical animal-handling training to its work force, however, none of the employees involved in the incident faced any criminal charges.

Throughout the city of Melbourne, a strong anti-KFC team of youths went through many KFC stores making large scenes, projecting their anger against the corporation. The group often chants "Fuck you, dirty bird", as a protest against KFC.[7]

On January 26, 2006, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher refused Pamela Anderson's PETA-backed demand to remove a statue of Colonel Sanders from the Kentucky Capitol Building after Yum! and Churchill Downs announced an agreement that Yum! would become the main sponsor of the Kentucky Derby. A few days later, Anderson announced she would not attend the horse race again.

A few countries (such as India) have discovered that the MSG levels in KFC foods exceeded their regulations. Some scientists believe that MSG is a health hazard, and food from KFC was often put at the top of high ten MSG foods to avoid (an average 2% MSG was found in most analysis).

On June 13, 2006, the Center for Science in the Public Interest sued KFC, alleging that the chain used excessively high levels of trans fat oil in its fried items.[8][9][10] Some say the lawsuit is the reason KFC is now requiring all franchisees to use liquid shortening, due to the lower trans fat content of the liquid variety.[citation needed]

Advertising

Early TV commercials for KFC regularly featured Colonel Sanders talking to the viewer about his secret recipe and the importance of a family joining one another for a meal. Despite his death in 1980, this angle was quite common through the 1970s and up until the early-mid 1990s.

Throughout the mid 1980s, KFC called on Vinton Studios to produce a series of humorous, claymation ads. These most often featured a cartoon-like chicken illustrating the poor food quality of competing food chains, mentioning prolonged freezing and other negative aspects.[1]

By the late 1990s, the stylized likeness of Colonel Sanders as the KFC logo had been modified. KFC ads began featuring an animated version of "the Colonel" with a lively and enthusiastic attitude. He would often start out saying "The Colonel here!" and moved across the screen with a cane in hand. The Colonel was often shown dancing, singing, and knocking on the TV screen as he spoke to the viewer about the product at hand.

The animated Colonel is uncommon today. Still using a humorous slant, the current KFC campaign revolves mostly around customers enjoying the food. It also features a modified version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" as the theme song for practically all its commercials, though the restaurant hails from Kentucky.

Slogans

World's first KFC in South Salt Lake, Utah, since replaced by a new KFC on the same site
  • There's fast food, then there's KFC[11]
  • Finger lickin' good![12]
    • This was once translated into Chinese as "eat your fingers off"[citation needed]
  • Nobody Does Chicken Like KFC! (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and UK)[13]
  • Can't Beat that Taste! (2005/06 - Australia and New Zealand)[14]
  • Today's KFC I Like It Like That - 1993
  • Everybody Needs a little KFC. (1990s - United States) [15]
  • We do chicken right! (mid 1990s)[16]
  • Chicken Capital USA (2005- - United States)[17]
  • You've got to KFC what's Cookin' (2003-2004)[18]
  • Dinner's Ready At Kentucky Fried Chicken (1970s - Canada)[19]
  • Pick up Kentucky Fried Chicken in your neighborhood; Colonel Sanders and his boys make it finger lickin' good!" (Later changed to "Colonel Sanders' boys and girls") (1970s - Canada)[20]
  • Got Chicken Got Soul (2005-2006 - UK)[21]
  • There's More Inside The Bucket (2005-2006)
  • The Taste Lives Here (2006-present - Canada)[22]
  • So Real! (Hong Kong)[23]
  • You've got great taste! (2006-present - UK)

Industrial relations

Balmoral KFC workers and allies picket the store

KFC employs a high proportion of young and unskilled workers, and frequently pays at or just above minimum wages. Most KFC workers are not unionized.

In New Zealand, KFC youth workers earn NZ$7.13 an hour. Staff at the Balmoral, Auckland store went on strike for two hours on 3 December 2005 after Restaurant Brands, the franchise holder, offered no wage increase in contract negotiations.[24] In March 2006, Restaurant Brands agreed to phase out youth rates in New Zealand, although no date was set.

In Australia many KFC stores are covered by an enterprise bargaining agreement with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA). Despite this, their wages are barely above the Award rate of pay.

In Calgary, a KFC outlet was forced to close temporarily due to lack of staffing because of a labor shortage.

KFC is China's most popular fast food restaurant.

Trivia

The famous Big Chicken in Marietta, Georgia
  • One of the most famous KFC restaurants in America is located in Marietta, Georgia. This store is notable for a 56-foot tall sign that looks like a chicken. The sign, known locally as the Big Chicken, was built for an earlier fast-food restaurant on the site called Johnny Reb's Chick, Chuck and Shake. It is often used as a travel reference point in the Atlanta area by locals and pilots.
  • Wendy's restaurants founder Dave Thomas operated several Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises before starting Wendy's restaurants. He also invented the rotating-bucket-of-chicken sign that at one time was outside every KFC and decided that the chicken should be sold in paper buckets, in order to whisk away excess moisture. Incidentally, he was a Kentucky Colonel just like Colonel Sanders, figurehead of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
  • KFC is one of the most popular fast food restaurants in China. Local menu items include egg tarts, and lotus root salad. KFC in China also serves other poultry in addition to chicken.
  • KFC originally introduced its "Popcorn Chicken" snack in the early 1990s but discontinued it after several customers complained of sickness upon eating the food, which consisted primarily of chicken skin. In the early 2000s, it reintroduced the snack, now complete with more meat attached.[citation needed]
  • Separately-owned stores in Springfield, Massachusetts, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Baltimore, Maryland, Chester, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Roxbury, Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, Kingston, New York and Brooklyn, New York are named "Kennedy Fried Chicken," an obvious reference to its mainstream competitor.
  • Similar copycat stores exist in Portsmouth, England under the name "Ken's Fried Chicken". The logo design on one of them is an almost exact copy of an older KFC sign.
  • In Taiwan and Malaysia, there exists a KLG, which stands for 卡啦鸡 in Chinese. KLG are the initials of the Chinese words. The store also uses KFC elements in an altered form. For example, the lettering is of the same font and color as KFC. One visible difference is that their logo is that of a rather plump chicken wearing a bow tie, instead of Colonel Sanders.
  • In addition to Pamela Anderson, celebrities who have come out in protest of KFC's treatment of chickens include Richard Pryor, Elizabeth Berkley, Paul Wall, Ringo Starr, Tyra Banks, Dick Gregory, Bea Arthur and Jason Alexander.
  • KFC is so prevalent in Japan that many Japanese unknowingly consider it to be a Japanese Company. On Christmas day many families (who have made reservations weeks in advance), have their traditional Christmas dinner at KFC. Colonel Sanders has become somewhat of a cult figure in Japan. Not only is there a life-sized statue of the Colonel in front of every KFC, but his memorabilia like wind-up toys and figurines can be found at many toy stores throughout Japan. [citation needed]

Cultural references

File:2005kfc.jpg
The KFC logo in Blue Springs, Missouri
  • KFC's success in the 1970s influenced the first Muppet Movie where Kermit is being hunted down by a KFC-parodied franchise: "Doc Hopper's French-Fried Frog Legs".
  • Circa 1985. New Zealand comedian Billy T. James performed a skit on his variety show depicting a police raid on a KFC store. The raid supposedly being carried out after the police found out what the eleven "herbs" and spices were.
  • KFC was mentioned in the Mike Myers comedy film So I Married an Axe Murderer; according to the character of Stuart McKenzie (played by Myers himself), Colonel Sanders was not only involved as part of a theoretical "Pentavirate" that controlled every form of media in the world, but also placed an addictive chemical in his chicken that caused eaters to crave it "fortnightly".
  • An episode of The Simpsons featured a restaurant named KFP: Kentucky Fried Panda. As Homer Simpson said, "It's finger Ling-Ling good!" Another episode featured Colonel Sanders in heaven, feeding God his popcorn chicken. God tells him that one day, he'll have to reveal the 11 herbs and spices to God.
  • In the movie Space Jam, Foghorn Leghorn, after being torched by one of the opposing players comments "Did you order original recipe or extra crispy?" referencing the styles of chicken available at KFC.
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken is considered the favorite food of Eric Cartman from the show South Park. In the episode The Death of Eric Cartman, Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman are waiting for Stan's mother to bring home Kentucky Fried Chicken. When she arrives, Cartman distracts the others and manages to eat the skin off of every piece, leaving the other three to eat just the meat of the bird. The next morning, the boys are so angry at Cartman for eating "the best part", that they decide to totally ignore him. In the episode Tsst, Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer trains Cartman to be more obedient and submissive to his mother by eating Kentucky Fried Chicken in front of him.
  • In a Family Guy episode Peter Griffin goes to a KFC outlet in Kentucky and repeatedly asks to see the Colonel.[25]
  • Rock group Happy Mondays were known to use the phrase "Kentucky Fried Chicken" as a euphemism for heroin; legend holds that the group broke up when lead singer Shaun Ryder left a contract meeting to go get some "Kentucky" and never returned. This scene was recreated in the 2002 movie 24 Hour Party People. In lieu of the heroin explanation however, Ryder is later seen walking down the street carrying a red bucket while imitating a chicken.
A KFC employee in standard uniform, circa 2003
  • In the UK numerous restaurants can be found that take the same approach, using many of the KFC brand elements in a slightly altered form, with names such as LFC, MFC, PFC, FCKF, and FCUK, moving on to such diverse guises as Kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, or Kennedy Fried Chicken (see above) and then the more unusual hybrids such as Hentucky, Dixy, Dallas, Texas, Texa, Tex-Ess and Kenssy Fried Chicken. Examples include YFC in Leeds, Yorkshire fried chicken, HFC in Middlesbrough, Halal Fried Chicken and Krunchy Fried Chicken in Liverpool and Manchester.
  • A Madonna song called Where Life Begins includes the line "Colonel Sanders says it best: Finger-lickin' good."
  • The Neil Gaiman book American Gods references the classic KFC urban legend as to why the company changed its name. According to Low-Key Liesmith, the main character's cellmate, KFC was legally forced to remove the word 'chicken' from their name as the meat they served was no longer technically chicken, but was grown in a genetically engineered chickenoid meat-plant.
  • Heavy Metal guitarist Buckethead is known for wearing a KFC bucket on his head.
  • The 2006 animated movie Barnyard has a scene where chickens throw darts at a picture of Colonel Sanders which is the logo of KFC that is on a dart board.
  • Colonel Sanders is a popular reference in numerous Japanese anime and manga. A particularly well known appearance is in the film "Project A-Ko," in which the protagonists watch a horror movie featuring an animated Colonel Sanders statue.
  • In an episode of Farscape, John Crichton distracts a man by expressing interest in depositing the secret ingredients to KFC. He claims to have found all eleven of them.
  • In the movie Spaceballs, a character's named "Colonel Sandurz." And in one point of the movie, he's asked "What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? CHICKEN?!"
  • In the movie Around the Bend (2004) the main characters -one of them a vegetarian - eat at different KFC's.
  • Colonel Sanders made a guest appearance in Episode 23 of Big Brother All Stars after a houseguest (Chicken George) was evicted. Colonel Sanders visited him with a bucket of KFC chicken after Julie Chen (host of Big Brother) made a promise to him that if he were to be evicted, there would be chicken wings waiting for him outside the house.
  • The song "Rock out with your Hawk out," by MC Hawking, includes the line "I've got more chicks than the colonel's got chicken, I've got to agree that it's finger lickin'."

See also

KFC restaurant in Cupertino, California

Countries with KFC

A KFC franchise in Kuwait
Countries with KFC
Country Notes
Andorra Andorra Only has 2 outlets, one in the capital Andorra La Vella, another one in Escaldes.
Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda Outlet in St. John's.
Aruba Aruba
Australia Australia 712+ locations in Australia & New Zealand combined (2006)[26][27]
Austria Austria One location, opened in May 2005
Bahrain Bahrain
Bangladesh Bangladesh One outlet in Gulshan-1 Dhaka
Barbados Barbados
Bermuda Bermuda The only U.S. fast food franchise in Bermuda
Brazil Brazil
Bulgaria Bulgaria
Canada Canada founded in the 1960s and operates in all 10 provinces and the NWT; known as PFK (Poulet Frit Kentucky) in Quebec and at three locations in New Brunswick; based in Vaughan, Ontario
Chile Chile
China China China has more than 1400 restaurants in more than 200 cities
Colombia Colombia
Costa Rica Costa Rica
Cyprus Cyprus
Czech Republic Czech Republic 44 outlets, first opened in 1994
Denmark Denmark KFC has 3 outlets in Copenhagen, 3 outlets have been closed down (2 in Copenhagen, 1 in Århus)
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic
Ecuador Ecuador
El Salvador El Salvador
Egypt Egypt
France France
Germany Germany
Germany Grenada
Greece Greece
Guyana Guyana
Honduras Honduras
Hong Kong Hong Kong Also known as 肯德基 and managed by Birdland (Hong Kong) Limited
Hungary Hungary
Iceland Iceland
India India 11 total outlets in Kolkata, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai
Indonesia Indonesia
Ireland Ireland
Israel Israel Outlets are kosher.
Jamaica Jamaica
Japan Japan Opened its first franchise in 1970 and has since become the second-largest American fast-food chain in the country.
Jordan Jordan Opened in early 80s and is widely consumed in Amman (Jordan's capital) with many locations in popular areas.
Korea Korea
Kuwait Kuwait Outlets are Halal.
Lebanon Lebanon
Macau Macau
Malaysia Malaysia KFC has roughly 833 outlets throughout Malaysia[28]. All Malaysian outlets are Halal.
Malta Malta One outlet in Gżira.
Mauritius Mauritius
Mexico Mexico
Namibia Namibia
Netherlands Netherlands
New Zealand New Zealand KFC has 97 outlets throughout New Zealand[29]
Pakistan Pakistan KFC Pakistan has 40 outlets throughout Pakistan which all serve Halal chicken[30]
Panama Panama
Peru Peru KFC has 50 restaurants in Peru
The Philippines The Philippines KFC has 82 restaurants in the Philippines
Poland Poland
Portugal Portugal
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
Qatar Qatar The first U.S. fast food franchise in Qatar, serving Halal food
Romania Romania KFC has 16 restaurants in Romania[31]
Russia Russia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
Singapore Singapore Outlets are Halal
Slovakia Slovakia First restaurant opened in Trnava (autumn 2006).
South Africa South Africa
Spain Spain
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
Syria Syria Owned by Kuwaiti national Nasser Al-Kharafi
St. Lucia St. Lucia
Taiwan Taiwan Also known as 肯德基, the first restaurant was built in 1984. Now there are over 133 branches in Taiwan.[32]
Thailand Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey Turkey
U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom United Kingdom
United States United States in addition to the initial franchises.
Venezuela Venezuela
Vietnam Vietnam
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe

Recipes

References

  1. ^ http://www.courier-journal.com/foryourinfo/010305/010305.html
  2. ^ http://roadtrip.beimers.com/day99.html
  3. ^ http://www.agilitynut.com/eateries/8b.html
  4. ^ http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595057690,00.html
  5. ^ http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/truefood/newsdetail.asp?PRID=768
  6. ^ http://www.kfc.com/about/pr/060304.htm
  7. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCupZWjvkfI
  8. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13295802/
  9. ^ http://www.cspinet.org/new/200606121.html
  10. ^ http://www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/final_complaint.pdf
  11. ^ http://www.kfc.com/about/
  12. ^ http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/137325.html
  13. ^ http://www.taglineguru.com/sloganlist.html
  14. ^ http://www.kfc.com.au/
  15. ^ http://www.solidarity-us.org/atc/99Lyons.html
  16. ^ http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE6DA1639F933A05751C1A964958260
  17. ^ http://www.kfc.com/
  18. ^ http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/10/lol.06.html
  19. ^ http://www.marcdenis.com/playa.asp?lefile=ad_Chicken%20Ads
  20. ^ http://www.marcdenis.com/playa.asp?lefile=ad_Chicken%20Ads
  21. ^ Article: KFC moves £18m media planning and buying to Walker
  22. ^ http://www.kfc.ca
  23. ^ http://www.investhk.gov.hk/PageControl/ShowDynamic.aspx?act=newsdetail&newsid=83
  24. ^ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10357158
  25. ^ http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Peter_Griffin
  26. ^ http://www.kfc.com.au/Default.asp?page=/about+kfc
  27. ^ http://www.kfcqld.com.au/history.php
  28. ^ http://www.kfc.com.my/outlets/index.html
  29. ^ http://www.kfc.co.nz/index.cfm?contentNodeID=428
  30. ^ http://www.kfcpakistan.com
  31. ^ http://www.kfc.ro
  32. ^ http://www.kfcclub.com.tw/

External links

Official sites

Other

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