The Gentle KFC Grandfather? ...The Adventurous Man Who Once Engaged in a Shootout with a Rival [Delicious Stories]

Colonel Sanders, Founder of KFC, the Iconic Fried Chicken Franchise

Surviving the Great Depression and Defending His Restaurant Against Rivals

Editor's NoteThe earliest snacks are believed to have originated from the ancient Mesopotamian civilization. In other words, snacks have accompanied every moment of human history. From biscuits and chocolate to ice cream, we bring you the delicious stories behind the treats we all love.

KFC, the renowned American fried chicken franchise, is famous for its mascot: Colonel Sanders, the founder known for his white hair, beard, and suit. Today, his gentle smile welcomes customers, but the real Colonel Sanders was a bold figure who traveled across the continent, taking on a wide array of tough jobs from a young age.

Struggled to Make Ends Meet Until His 40s... Found His Start at a Restaurant Beside a Gas Station

KFC mascot Colonel Sanders. KFC official website

Colonel Sanders's real name was Harland Sanders. Born in the United States in 1890, he did not shy away from any hard work and made a living by taking on various odd jobs from a young age.

At just 16, he lied about his age to enlist as a driver in the U.S. Army, only to be discharged. His career included jobs such as carriage painter, insurance salesman, tire company employee, and even work with lamps.

It wasn't until the 1930s, when Sanders was already in his 40s, that he finally found some stability. At the time, automobiles and freight trucks were becoming common in the U.S., leading to the emergence of gas stations and diners for drivers across the roads. Sanders opened a small restaurant next to a Shell gas station in Kentucky, serving ham, steak, and fried chicken dishes to truckers and motorists.

KFC's distinctive "Original Chicken" was also perfected during this period. Passionate about cooking, Sanders meticulously recorded his recipes in a notebook. His chicken, seasoned with a variety of spices and then fried, quickly became a popular menu item.

Even Engaged in a Shootout with a Rival Gas Station

Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, invented the chicken recipe at a restaurant attached to a gas station in Kentucky. KFC website

But Sanders's life was far from smooth. The 1930s brought the Great Depression, an unprecedented economic crisis in the U.S., followed by World War II, both of which made it difficult for Sanders to run his business.

Across from Sanders's restaurant was a Standard Oil gas station, whose owner, Matt Stewart, got into a dispute with Sanders one day. Suddenly, Stewart pulled out a gun and fired, fatally striking one of Sanders's employees who was standing beside him. Sanders quickly drew his own gun and returned fire, shooting Stewart in the shoulder and incapacitating him. Later, the two stood trial: Stewart was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison, while Sanders was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense.

KFC Original Chicken. KFC Homepage

Thanks to his perseverance and determination, Sanders's restaurant grew into a landmark in Kentucky. He was awarded the honorary title of "Colonel" by the governor of Kentucky for his contributions to the local community, a title he proudly used to introduce himself for the rest of his life.

Hot-Tempered and Meticulous... Dedicated to Charity Work After Retirement

Sanders was known for his fiery temperament and meticulous approach to food management. After growing KFC into a company with 600 locations, he handed over operations to professional managers, but he continued to visit stores personally to test the quality of the chicken.

At the same time, Sanders showed a compassionate side. After building his fortune through KFC, he devoted his life to aiding the poor and engaging in volunteer work. After Sanders passed away at the age of 90, KFC established the "KFC Foundation" to continue his legacy, and to this day, the foundation remains active in various charitable and relief efforts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.