Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), began selling fried chicken during the Great Depression. In 1930, he operated a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he started serving meals to travelers. Over time, his fried chicken recipe gained popularity, and in 1936, he was given the honorary title of Colonel by Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon in recognition of his contributions to the state's cuisine.

Colonel Sanders continued to refine his fried chicken recipe and cooking techniques. In 1952, he franchised his fried chicken recipe to Pete Harman, who operated a restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. This marked the beginning of the KFC franchise. The first KFC franchise was officially opened in 1952, and the brand continued to expand, becoming one of the most well-known fast-food chains globally.