KFC is a fast food brand (also called a QSR, or quick serve restaurant) specializing in chicken. With more than 19,500 units in more than 115 countries and territories, KFC (formerly Kentucky Fried Chicken) is the world’s second largest restaurant chain after McDonald’s measured by sales, and the world’s most popular chicken brand. KFC’s menu has evolved from its legendary Original Recipe pressure fried chicken (“11 herbs and spices”) and side dishes to include grilled chicken, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, hot wings, and desserts.

KFC was founded by “Colonel” Harland Sanders in Kentucky in 1930 during the Great Depression. The first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise was opened in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1952 by Pete Harman, who introduced the “Bucket O’Chicken” in 1957. Harman also is credited with the brand’s slogan “It’s finger-lickin’ good.”

KFC Corp. is based in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Yum! Brands has almost 42,000 restaurants in more than 125 countries and territories, making it one of the world’s largest restaurant companies. Over the years, KFC franchisees have had the option to co-brand with Taco Bell or Pizza Hut.

According to company figures, the KFC system serves more than 12 million customers daily. Most purchases are take out or to-go, although the stores also offer in-store dining. In 2015, Yum! Brands announced that KFC would begin deliveries by 2016, further expanding its reach to customers. KFC engages in extensive marketing to keep the brand in consumers’ minds: KFC claims an average of more than 185 million people see a KFC commercial at least once a week. KFC is also a pioneer in the use of social media to attract and engage customers.

Until he was fatally stricken with leukemia in 1980 at the age of 90, the Colonel traveled 250,000 miles a year visiting KFC restaurants around the world.