Every week, visitors from around the world walk through the doors of the Sanders Café & Museum in Corbin. Guests from Japan, China, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and many other countries make the journey to see the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken and learn more about the man behind one of the world's most recognizable brands.
For many people, it's surprising to discover just how far Colonel Sanders' legacy reaches. KFC operates in more than 145 countries and territories, and in many places, it has become more than just a restaurant. It has become part of local traditions and culture.
Perhaps the best-known example is Japan, where millions of families celebrate Christmas with a KFC meal. What began as a successful holiday advertising campaign in the 1970s has grown into a beloved annual tradition, with many customers reserving their Christmas dinner weeks in advance. The most celebrated way of ringing in the holiday season is with the famous bucket of chicken. Restaurants take reservations way ahead of time for the meal and often sell out. What’s different about these buckets as opposed to what we know here in the states? Not only do you have the signature chicken, but you also get a dessert, cheesecake is the most popular, and a collectible holiday plate. Holiday plates from years prior are truly coveted and if you find those gems throughout Japan consider yourself lucky.
In China, KFC was the country's first major Western fast-food chain and quickly became a symbol of modern dining. For many Chinese families in the early years, eating at KFC was considered a special occasion and a taste of modern Western culture. Today, China is one of KFC's largest markets in the world, with thousands of restaurants serving menu items created especially for local tastes, like seafood burgers, Peking Duck Wraps and even Bubble Tea.
South Korea has embraced fried chicken as part of its own culture, especially the popular tradition of enjoying chicken and beer, known as chimaek during the first snowfall of the season. The pairing became even more famous through Korean television dramas, like the smash hit My Love from Another Star.
In Jamaica, KFC has achieved near-iconic status. Long lines are common, especially on weekends and after church on Sundays, and the local menu has developed a loyal following with flavors unique to the island. You can order side dishes like Fried Plantains and Rice & Peas – a dish made with rice cooked in coconut milk with kidney beans. Main dishes include Spicy Jerk-seasoned chicken, in case the Original Recipe doesn’t bring the heat.
From Christmas celebrations in Japan to bustling restaurants in Jamaica and China, Colonel Sanders' legacy has become part of cultures around the world. That's why visitors from every continent make the journey to Corbin to see where the story began.