Colonel sander proves that age is just a number by launching the world’s largest fast-food chain, Kentucky fried chicken, at 62. However, most people think of retiring or taking a leave from work at this age, but he beat the odds and treat our taste buds with finger-licking fried chicken.
THE EARLY YEARS
Colonel Harland Sanders was born on 9 September 1890 on a farm in Indiana. When he was only 6, his father’s soul departed this earth. Therefore, being the oldest sibling, it was his responsibility to take care of his younger siblings while his mother is out for work. Plus, It was his duty to cook for them. Consequently, he becomes a good cook at age 7.
After his mother’s second marriage, he took a farmhand job about 80 miles away because his step-father didn’t like them around.
When he was in the seventh grade, he dropped out the school and started working overtime. To this time, he already turned into a tough cookie.
Sander was 16 when he faked his age to joining U.S Army. After a year of services in Cuba, he was discharged honorably.
Subsequently, He spent the first half of his life doing odd jobs like painting horse carriages, selling insurance, working as a railroad fireman, being a streetcar conductor, selling tires, making lighting systems, and operating a ferry boat.
Moreover, he acquired his degree in law from LaSalle Extension University, but he ruined his legal career by getting into a fight with one of his clients.
FINGER-LICKING FRIED CHICKEN
In 1930, Sander lent space in a gas station in Kentucky and began serving classic southern meals to the travelers.
From a one-tabled kitchen, he built a full-fledged cafe in front of the gas station. He continued to sell the chicken dishes. But he didn’t serve fried chicken in his restaurant because it took too long to cook. However, the increasing demand for fried chicken compelled him to think of a better way to make it.
In 1939, he got a big success when he cooked his signature chicken with 11 herbs and spices in a pressure cooker. Consequently, a perfect blend of taste was ready in few minutes.
TITLE OF COLONEL
Soon, sander’s food becomes so famous that the government of Kentucky honored him with the title of “Colonel” due to his part in the state’s cuisine. From that day, he is known as colonel sander.
KFC FRANCHISING
In 1940, Sander happily ran a motel with the 140 seat restaurant. But, during world war II, he was forced to shut it down. It was the restaurant where he perfected his secret recipe.
Subsequently, he makes an effort to franchise his restaurant. However, before anyone took it, his recipe got rejected 1,009 times.
Sander’s secret recipe was devised as “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” and get instant fame.
Moreover, the sander cafe was famous among travelers. But unfortunately, his flourishing restaurant goes up in the smoke when an Interstate 75 was built nearby, bypassing the town.
Eventually, Sander sold his restaurant and went after his dream of expanding KFC franchises.
Sander began to fly across the country to franchising his fried chicken. Besides, he began to wear a white suit along with a Kentucky colonel tie. Later on, it becomes his signature dress.
FINALLY, SANDER TASTE THE SUCCESS
Sander strikes a deal with his friend Pete Harman to market his Kentucky Fried Chicken in exchange for a princely fee of 4-cents per chicken. Soon, he signed the same deal with several more restaurant owners.
By 1964, he had more than 600 KFC franchises across the U.S and Canada. Later on, he sold his company for two million dollars to John Y. Brown and Jack Massey. He only retained the ownership of the Canadian franchise and served as the brand ambassador.
Even today, Sander’s signature look and smile appear on the KFC’s logo. And continue to signify the mouth-watering fried chicken all over the world.
Sander was 90 when he passed away due to pneumonia. After his death, the executive of KFC said, “With the Colonel, money does not count, but it is the artistic talent that counts.”
Sander never chases to become rich, but he wants to be known for his food. Therefore, he goes the extra mile to bring his fried chicken into the spotlight. By 2021, there were more than 25,000 KFC locations in 145 countries.
Throughout his life, he faced a lot of problems, rejections, and some perfect storms. Despite all the struggle, he didn’t let go of his dream. And built the world’s largest fast-food chain.
