Did you know that you can visit the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, also known as KFC?
The KFC brand is recognized around the world and you can visit the site where it’s humble story began.
The Sanders Cafe & Museum is connected to an operational modern KFC restaurant so you might as well enjoy some Kentucky Fried Chicken while you’re there and learn more about its history.
A Road Trip Worthy Stop
The Sanders Cafe and Museum is a great stop to add to your list if you’re traveling along Interstate 75.
I’ve stopped at the Sanders Cafe & Museum several times during road trips, before and after the most recent museum renovations.
On August 7, 1990, The Harland Sanders Cafe was added on the National Register of Historic Places.
If your last visit to the Sanders Cafe & Museum was before 2022, you need to come back to appreciate the new expansion and renovations.
And if you’re visiting Cumberland Falls, you definitely want to stop here while you’re in the area.
Learn More About Kentucky’s Most Famous Citizen
The Sanders Cafe & Museum does a great job of sharing Harland Sanders origin story for founding Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Start Your Visit at the Outdoor Exhibit
Your visit to Sanders Cafe & Museum starts at the outdoor exhibit near the parking lot.
The gas pumps are a nod to the filling station previously located here and the plaques help provide an overview of Colonel Harland Sanders.
Harland Sanders was a true entrepreneur who found a way to meet all of the needs of travelers along Highway 25.
As travelers stopped for gas at the filling station, Colonel Sanders found an opportunity to feed them at his roadside restaurant.
View Equipment From the Former Sanders Cafe
Visitors can see a replica of the kitchen where the original recipe was invented in 1939.
His “original recipe” blend of 11 herbs and spices is a trade secret but not patented because it would have required a public disclosure of the process and specific ingredients.
Sanders did patent his method of cooking with a pressure cooker in 1962.
Former Cafe
Visitors can gain a sense for what the building was like during the 1940s.
Model Motel Room
Sanders had a clever idea to have a model of one of the motel rooms in his cafe to entice patrons to spend the night.
Harland Sanders also offered a working payphone for his guests which was an added bonus.
Eat KFC at the Location Where it All Began
It’s amazing to see the humble beginnings that grew to become a franchise that’s a household name.
There’s a dining area for KFC inside the former Sanders Cafe.
You can enjoy fried chicken a few feet away from the kitchen that the original recipe was created in.
Additional dining is also available in the museum area.
The 7 minute Rule
Did you know that KFC has a 7-minute rule to ensure fresh, crispy chicken?
Fried chicken at KFC can’t sit around for longer than 7 minutes after cooking it and if it does, employees are instructed to discard it and cook a new batch of chicken.
Fun Facts About Harland Sanders and KFC
- Born in Henryville, Indiana on September 9, 1890
- Sanders had many unsuccessful careers as an adult before success at age 65
- Started Kentucky Fried Chicken when he was 62 years old and sold the company in 1964 for 2 million dollars at age 65 but continued on as a brand ambassador
- The first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in South Salt Lake City, Utah in 1952
- Lived to be 90 year olds, died on December 16, 1980
- Buried at Cave hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY
The Original Celebrity Chef
Colonel Sanders is the OG celebrity chef before The Food Network turned unknown chefs into reality stars.
Governor Ruby Laffoon bestowed Colonel Sanders the honor of being made a Kentucky Colonel in 1935 for his culinary contributions.
The Kentucky Colonelcy is a recognition of leadership and service, as the state’s highest honorable office in title.
The Signature White Suit
Colonel Sanders’ signature white suit that debuted in 1950 also had a practical secret.
It was easier to camouflage the flour he came in contact with constantly with a white suit over a black suit.
The History of the Bucket
The history of the bucket takes a trip down memory lane to different eras and promotions. Guests can turn the fried chicken buckets to see all the sides of the design on the interactive display.
The older you are, the more you may recognize how the brand has evolved over the years.
The famous “finger lickin’ good” slogan was trademarked in 1956.
View KFC Memorabilia From the United States and From Around the World
Visitors will enjoy a trip down memory lane with all of the KFC memorabilia.
Many of the patches and buttons may be recognized by previous employees and frequent patrons.
But Kentucky Fried Chicken isn’t just beloved in the United States. The brand has grown to 30,000+ restaurants in 150 countries!
There’s a section of the museum dedicated to KFC around the world which includes the iconic Colonel himself.
Photo op With Colonel Sanders
Make sure you get a group picture or take a selfie next to the Colonel while you’re there.
Colonel Sanders Quotes
“No hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best there was in me.”
“I’ve only had two rules: Do all you can and do it the best you can. It’s the only way you ever get that feeling of accomplishment.”
“Don’t be against things so much as for things.”
“There’s no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can’t do any business from there.”
Is there an Admission Fee to Visit the Sanders Cafe & Museum?
There is no admission fee and it’s up to the guests if they want to purchase food while they are there.
Sanders Cafe & Museum Hours are Monday – Sunday 10 AM – 10 PM.
Where is the Harland Sanders Cafe & Museum Located?
The Harland Sander Cafe and Museum is located at 688 US Highway 25 W, Corbin, KY and only .9 miles from downtown Corbin.
Find More Information on the Sanders Cafe & Museum
You can find out more from the Sanders Cafe & Museum website.
I love a post about random museum finds – thanks! – theroamingcurator.com