Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has grown into one of the world’s most recognizable fast-food chains. With over 25,000 locations worldwide, the story of KFC’s expansion is fascinating to say the least. These historic locations don’t just serve chicken; they preserve the legacy of Colonel Harland Sanders and chronicle the evolution of a global brand. 

So let’s take a look at the  three oldest KFC restaurants that still exist today, each with its own unique place in the company’s rich history.

3. Claudia Sanders Dinner House

The Claudia Sanders Dinner House holds a unique position in KFC history as it was established after Colonel Sanders sold Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1964. Despite no longer being the face of KFC, Sanders wasn’t ready to leave the restaurant business entirely.

In 1968, Colonel Sanders and his wife Claudia opened this restaurant in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Initially named “The Colonel’s Lady,” it was later renamed in honor of Claudia, who had been instrumental in supporting her husband throughout his career. Before opening this new venture, the building served as the first headquarters of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The restaurant offered Sanders a way to continue sharing his passion for Southern cooking while functioning as a sort of unofficial alternative to KFC. The menu featured dishes similar to those that had made him famous, including fried chicken prepared with recipes reminiscent of his original formula.

A devastating fire in 1999 destroyed much of the original structure, but the restaurant was rebuilt with careful attention to preserving its historic character and charm. Today, the Claudia Sanders Dinner House continues to thrive, serving over 100,000 customers annually.

The restaurant maintains its distinctive country charm and Southern hospitality. Visitors can enjoy classic Southern dishes served family-style in an elegant setting that pays homage to Sanders’ legacy. The adjacent gift shop offers cookbooks featuring Claudia’s recipes and various memorabilia that celebrate Sanders’ contributions to American cuisine.

While technically not an official KFC location, the Claudia Sanders Dinner House represents an important chapter in the Colonel’s story, showcasing his enduring entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality food even after selling his namesake company.

2. Harman Café (World’s First KFC Franchise)

When Colonel Sanders began franchising his chicken recipe, Pete Harman became his first franchisee, opening the world’s first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in South Salt Lake, Utah, in 1952. This pivotal partnership marked the beginning of KFC’s transformation from a single restaurant to a global brand.

The collaboration between Sanders and Harman proved instrumental in developing many aspects of KFC’s business model. Harman contributed significantly to the brand’s early marketing strategies and operational standards. He is credited with creating the iconic bucket packaging in 1957 and coining the slogan “It’s finger lickin’ good” after a customer was observed licking their fingers after enjoying the chicken.

Although the original building was demolished in 2004 to make way for a more modern facility, the location maintains its historical significance. The current restaurant honors its heritage with historical displays and memorabilia, including vintage photographs, advertisements, and even one of Colonel Sanders’ famous white suits.

What makes this location particularly noteworthy is that it represents the crucial transition of KFC from a single restaurant to a franchise model. This business strategy would eventually lead to KFC’s global expansion and cement its place in fast-food history.

The Harman Café also played a vital role in standardizing KFC’s menu and operational procedures. Many of the practices developed here were adopted across all future franchises, creating the consistency that helped build consumer trust in the brand regardless of location.

Today’s visitors to this historic site can enjoy modern KFC offerings while appreciating displays that tell the story of how a handshake agreement between Sanders and Harman launched what would become one of the world’s most successful restaurant chains.

1. Harland Sanders Café and Museum

The Harland Sanders Café represents the true birthplace of what would become Kentucky Fried Chicken. In the 1930s, Colonel Sanders operated a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he began serving food to travelers. His chicken became so popular that he eventually abandoned the gas station business to focus solely on his restaurant.

The original building was constructed in 1937, but after a fire, Sanders rebuilt it in 1940. This is where the Colonel perfected his world-famous Original Recipe chicken with 11 herbs and spices that remains the foundation of KFC’s success today. The pressure cooking method he developed here was revolutionary, allowing chicken to be cooked more quickly while maintaining its juiciness.

Sanders operated the café until 1956 when the construction of Interstate 75 diverted traffic away from his restaurant, significantly reducing business. This setback became a catalyst for his decision to focus on franchising his chicken recipe rather than running a single restaurant.

The historic significance of this location was formally recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1990. Today, visitors can explore the original kitchen where Sanders created his legendary recipe, complete with vintage cooking equipment including “Bertha,” the original pressure cooker he used.

The site beautifully balances preservation with modern functionality. The museum portion showcases Sanders’ living quarters, a model of his motel room, and various KFC memorabilia. Adjacent to the historical section is a modern KFC kitchen serving the Colonel’s chicken just as he intended. The entrance lobby connects these two spaces and houses additional displays chronicling KFC’s journey from a small roadside café to an international phenomenon.

For KFC enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this location offers a unique glimpse into the humble beginnings of a global empire, making it not just the oldest KFC location but perhaps the most historically significant.

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Conclusion

Each of these historic locations tells a different part of the KFC story—from the beginnings and recipe development in Corbin, to the first franchise in Salt Lake City, to the Colonel’s post-KFC venture in Shelbyville ; they chronicle how one man’s dedication to quality fried chicken grew into one of the world’s most recognized restaurant brands, serving millions of customers across more than 145 countries daily.