KFC is one of the most well-known fast-food chains, but do you know much about KFC? Are you looking to find some interesting KFC statistics?
If so, keep reading below to find out some facts and trends regarding KFC and learn a little bit about this beloved iconic fast-food chain!
KFC Statistics In [currentyear]
- Harland Sanders founded KFC in 1930
- Harland Sanders was given the Colonel title by the Kentucky governor in 1936
- In 1952 the first KFC restaurant was opened by Pete Harman in Salt Lake City
- The first bucket meal was sold in 1957
- KFC is in 146 countries
- There are more than 26,000 KFC restaurants worldwide
- The KFC secret recipe is still a secret
- Kentucky Fried Chicken became only known as KFC in the 1990s
- Buckethead is a guitarist that wears a KFC bucket on his head
Are you looking for the entire list of KFC statistics and have other questions that you want me to answer? Well, continue reading to find the complete list and more below!
1. Harland Sanders Founded KFC In 1930
Harland Sanders began KFC in 1930 when he started selling his fried chicken near North Corbin, Kentucky, at a petrol station he owned.
However, he realized chicken was his specialty and not petrol, so he turned the petrol station into a restaurant and motel and decided to call it “Sanders’ Court & Cafe.”
2. In 1936, Harland Sanders Was Given Honorary Colonel Title
Harland Sanders became Colonel Sanders in 1936 when the governor of Kentucky bestowed the honorary title onto him.
3. Pete Harman Opened The First KFC Restaurant In 1952
It wasn’t until 1952 when the first official KFC restaurant opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it was a franchise.
In addition, this KFC location was operated by a restaurant owner named Peter Harman, who Sanders met while at a food seminar.
4. The First Bucket Meal Was Sold In 1957
Did you know it wasn’t until 1957 when the bucket meal first started and Pete Harman came up with the idea by selling a 14-piece meal of chicken with rolls and gravy?
5. KFC Operates In 146 Counties
KFC has grown significantly since its beginnings in 1930, and today you can find it in more than 146 countries!
6. There Are More Than 26,000 KFC Locations Worldwide
Not only is KFC in over 146 countries, but there are more than 26,000 KFC locations throughout the world, which is a pretty impressive feat, and it continues to grow.
7. KFC’s Secret Recipe Is Still A Secret
One interesting fact about KFC is that the 11 spices and herbs used for the chicken have been a secret since the beginning, and only a few people within the company know the recipe.
Furthermore, the recipe is kept hidden under lock and key at the KFC headquarters, and it’s never supposed to be revealed.
8. Kentucky Fried Chicken Decided To Go By KFC In The 1990s
Kentucky Fried Chicken decided to ditch the name and just go by KFC in the 1990s when more people were becoming health conscious about fried chicken.
9. A Guitarist Named Buckethead Wears A KFC Bucket On His Head
An interesting relation to KFC is that a guitarist in America called Buckethead is famous for working with Guns N’ Roses through the years.
Additionally, the bucket that Buckethead wore is orange and has “Funeral” written on the side of the bucket.
10. People In Japan Eat KFC On Christmas
KFC is a famous restaurant throughout the world, and one cool fact is that people in Japan eat KFC on Christmas Day and the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Furthermore, this tradition started in 1974 when KFC began a marketing campaign that translates in English to “Kentucky for Christmas” called “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakki.”
11. KFC Sells A Pair Of KFC Crocs
KFC sells a pair of KFC crocs, because why not? There are two pairs available, with one being a KFC bucket design for the bottom of the shoe and the top having two chicken drumsticks.
In addition, the chicken drumsticks are removable and chicken-scented, which is an interesting item to purchase if you’re a fan of KFC!
12. KFC Has About 14,000 Employees
There are about 14,000 KFC employees throughout the world, and this number has risen over the years as more restaurants open in various locations.
Further, people expect that the number of employees will continue to climb through the next several years.
13. About 56% Of KFC Employees Are Women
Did you know that most KFC employees are women, dominating over men 56% to 44% on average?
However, the gender makeup of a store can change quickly and can also depend on other factors such as location.
14. Over 99% Of KFC Restaurants Are Franchised
Given that the first official KFC restaurant was a franchise, a franchise model would be how the business moved forward, and over 99% of KFC locations are franchised.
15. The KFC Gravy Isn’t Colonel Sanders Approved
One interesting fact about KFC is that Colonel Sanders disapproves of the gravy used today.
On top of that, the KFC gravy was changed before 1970 to a cheaper version that was less work than the original.
16. KFC Revenue In 2021 Topped $31 Billion
KFC is one of the biggest and most famous fast-food chains in the world, so it’s not a surprise that in 2021, revenue topped $31 billion!
Furthermore, this was more than the $26 billion in revenue during 2020 and more than the $27 billion in revenue KFC earned during 2019.
17. KFC First Launched In China In 1987
KFC was launched in China back in 1987, and it was the first western restaurant to come to China. Today, it is incredibly popular, with over 4,500 locations throughout the country!
Additionally, the KFC restaurants in China serve more than the standard menu in America, with local favorites such as Tree-Fungi salad.
That said, you can still get the regular KFC favorites, and each menu consists of nearly 50 items on average in China.
18. There Is A Colonel Sanders Video Game
Did you know that Colonel Sanders is so beloved that a video game is dedicated to him called “Colonel Quest?”
Specifically, this video game is all about the life of Colonel Sanders, and the main goal of the game is to collect chicken drumsticks.
19. KFC Employees Stick With The Company For 2.6 Years On Average
One statistic I found interesting about the KFC employees is that most stay with the company for 2.6 years on average, which is pretty long for a fast-food restaurant.
20. KFC’s Parent Company Is Yum! Brands
Yum! Brands is the parent company of KFC and owns many other fast-food brands, including Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
21. KFC Has A Brand Value Of $8.3 Billion
The brand value of KFC is $8.3 billion, which is massive, and it makes the Forbes list every year as one of the top companies in the world.
22. 52% Of Employees Have A High School Diploma
52% of the employees at KFC have a high school diploma, making it the most common education level completed by those working at the restaurant.
23. 40% Of KFC Employees Are 18 To 20-Years Old
An interesting statistic about KFC employees is that 40% of all employees who work for the company are between 18 and 20, and only 3% are over the age of 40!
How Many Customers Does KFC Serve Daily?
KFC serves around 12 million people each day which is an incredible number and goes to show the popularity of KFC all over the world!
How Much Does a KFC Franchise Make?
The profit for a KFC franchise can range between $942,000 to over $1,000,000 a year, depending on the location and popularity of that particular store.
Also, profitability depends on how the manager runs the location.
However, no one knows how much the franchise owners make since Yum! Brands does not publicly reveal this information.
How Much Do I Need To Open A KFC?
It’s not cheap to open a KFC location, and the franchise fee is about $45,000, plus you have to account for startup fees and costs, which can range between $1.2 to $2.5 million!
In addition, there is a 5% royalty fee that has to be made each month on the monthly income of the store.
What Is The Busiest KFC In The World?
The busiest KFC location in the world is the Beijing Railway Station KFC, which is located in Beijing, China.
What Countries Do Not Have A KFC?
While you might think KFC is everywhere, that’s not true, and some countries don’t even have a KFC location, including the following:
- Fiji
- Norway
- Israel
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
- Syria
- Haiti
- Andorra
- Guyana
- Iran
Why Does KFC Taste Different In Different Countries?
If you travel abroad, you might have noticed that the KFC food tastes differently because KFC allows each franchise owner to incorporate local flavors.
For example, KFC allows the franchise owners to add local foods to the menu and want the food to be local enough to get people into the restaurant and order food.
To know more, you can also read our posts on KFC complaints UK, KFC hiring process, and KFC business model.
Conclusion
There are several interesting facts about KFC, including that KFC began in 1930 in Kentucky with Harland Sanders.
Additionally, the first KFC restaurant opened in 1956 in Salt Lake City, a franchise operated by Pete Harman, and now over 99% of KFC locations are franchised.
Today, there are over 26,000 KFC locations in over 146 counties, and it’s one of the most recognized brands globally, with a revenue in 2021 of more than $31 billion!
