Kentucky Fried Chicken: Encyclopedia II - Kentucky Fried Chicken - Food

Kentucky Fried Chicken - Food

The Colonel's secret recipe of eleven herbs and spices remains one of the best-kept trade secrets in business. The original, handwritten recipe is locked securely in a vault in Louisville, with partial copies stored elsewhere as backup. The two suppliers of the seasonings each only provide parts of the recipe, and do not know each other's identity. Not even the company's president knows the ingredient list, and the few people who do are subject to a strict confidentiality agreement. Several people have contacted KFC, claiming to have found copies of the recipe, but none have ever been correct. A couple who purchased the Colonel's original home found another handwritten recipe in the basement, and, although it was written by Sanders, it was determined to be nothing like the original.

However, a chemical analysis commissioned by author William Poundstone revealed some of the primary ingredients: salt, ground black pepper, flour, and monosodium glutamate. KFC claims that Colonel Sanders' recipe had eleven secret herbs and spices.

The company adopted the abbreviated form of its name in 1991 to avoid the unhealthy connotations of the word 'fried'. KFC is currently experimenting with pot pies and boneless and roasted chicken in addition to its core food offering. In 2004 the company tried to further rebrand itself, featuring the term "Kitchen Fresh Chicken" in its advertisements (and noting in the fine print that its freshness claim does not apply to the chicken wings).

In April 2005, KFC opened a new restaurant in its hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, under the original name of Kentucky Fried Chicken and plans to add at least 50 more.

In New Zealand, television advertisements for the chain feature "Kiwi For Chicken". In 2002 KFC slapped a Strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) on a news website which had linked to a spoof KFC site.

Beyond the fried chicken, KFC also serves side-dishes like coleslaw, various potato-based items (including french fries, potato wedges, and whipped potatoes with gravy), corn on the cob and biscuits. KFC also offers other entreés such as Popcorn Chicken, chicken nuggets, hamburgers, pork ribs and a variety of desserts – though not all may be found in all locations, particularly in non-US locations.

Wendy's restaurants founder Dave Thomas operated several Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises before starting Wendy's restaurants. He also invented the rotating-bucket-of-chicken sign that at one time was outside every KFC.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Food", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki