What Is KFC? (What Is It Known For, How Is It Different, Type Of Store + More)

KFC is undoubtedly one of the most famous American fast-food chains that have been around since the 1950s.

It originates from Kentucky as a roadside restaurant selling its world-renowned fried chicken, a recipe yet to be debunked.

Want to get to know one of America’s largest fast-food chains? I’ve put together the research, so you don’t have to! Here’s what I found out about KFC!

What Is KFC In 2024?

KFC is a fast-food chain that prides itself on its chicken as of 2024. It’s the world’s second-largest chain after McDonald’s, and with more than 25,000 stores around the globe, wherever you go, there’ll always be a KFC. KFC has an extensive menu that changes in each country, but one thing that stays the same is the fried chicken.

To find out more about KFC, like how many locations are in the world, keep reading to see what I’ve discovered!

How Many KFC Stores Are There?

KFC has over 5,000 restaurants in over 145 countries and has become a household name for fast-food and drive-thru restaurants.

What’s KFC Known For?

KFC is known for its world-famous, “finger-lickin’ good” Kentucky fried chicken.

That said, the company’s breaded chicken comes in all shapes and sizes, like wings, popcorn bites, and boneless fillets.

Where Was KFC Founded?

KFC was founded in North Corbin, Kentucky, in 1952 by Colonel Sanders and Pete Harman.

At first, it began as a roadside restaurant that sold fried chicken. However, it later developed into a worldwide franchise and one of the most famous fast-food chains of all time.

That said, KFC has been around for longer than its rival chain McDonald’s.

Is The KFC Menu The Same In Every Country?

No, KFC switches up its menu depending on the restaurant’s country.

With that, this is important as every country will differ in food preferences and culture, and it’s the best way to maintain sales internationally.

For example, Japanese KFC’s sell bento boxes and rice dishes generally are more expensive than US-run KFCs.

Also, it’s popular on and around Christmas due to previous Japanese marketing campaigns.

What’s On The Menu At KFC?

What's On The Menu At KFC?

The menu at KFC ranges from buckets of chicken for families and friends to box meals for one.

From burgers to boneless banquets, each meal comes equipped with fries, dips, or even corn on the cob!

Also, there’s an extensive range of drinks and various sweet treats to choose from.

Further, the restaurant offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options so no one will go hungry at KFC!

What Type Of Store Is KFC?

KFC is a fast-food restaurant that provides indoor seating to customers wanting to eat in or a take-out service for those wishing to eat at home.

Additionally, KFC offers a drive-thru option for those on the go, perfect for frequent travelers or grabbing something tasty to eat on a road trip.

What’s Unique About KFC?

One of the most secretive franchise recipes to date is the KFC chicken recipe. With a blend of 11 herbs and spices, all unknown, this recipe has remained a secret for over 70 years.

That said, Colonel Sanders initially kept the recipe on a piece of paper in his wallet!

Also, KFC has branched out into merchandise such as the famous KFC crocs, which celebrities have worn all over the world.

Moreover, other quirky KFC-themed items are on the market, too, such as comic books and video games!

Is KFC Considered Junk Food?

Yes, KFC is considered junk food. Due to most of the items on its menu being fried in oil and the high levels of salt in most dishes, KFC’s food is not a healthy option.

However, most fast-food restaurants are considered junk food.

What Country Is KFC Most Popular In?

China is home to over 5,200 KFC’s, more than double the amount of McDonald’s in China and the most KFCs in any country.

In China, KFC is considered more of a treat rather than a quick bite to eat, as we may think of it.

Also, China has an extensive and unusual menu that caters to the culinary traditions of the people, like egg tarts.

Further, the food is considered very high quality and a luxury to eat at Chinese KFC locations!

If you want to know more about KFC, you can also read our posts on whether or not KFC has potato wedges, if KFC has grilled chicken, and McDonald’s vs. KFC.

Conclusion

KFC is a US-born restaurant franchise with stores all over the world. That said, one of KFC’s rivals in the fast-food industry is McDonald’s.

With a menu to accommodate everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options, KFC has remained prominent within the industry.

Despite being junk food, KFC prides itself on good quality meat and “finger-lickin’ good” chicken, which never disappoints!

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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