KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is the world's second-largest restaurant chain by number of locations, with over 29,000 outlets in more than 150 countries and territories. The brand was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, who began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. Sanders perfected his Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices in 1940 and began franchising in 1952. The company was officially founded as Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1952 and rebranded to KFC in 1991. The brand's menu centers on its signature fried chicken, available in Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, and other varieties, along with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and mac and cheese. KFC has been owned by Yum! Brands since 1997, when PepsiCo spun off its restaurant division. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, KFC is particularly popular in Asia-Pacific markets, where it has become a cultural phenomenon in countries like China and Japan. The image of Colonel Sanders remains one of the most recognized brand mascots worldwide.
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