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© History Oasis / Created via Midjourney
1956-1966
KFC’s first major slogan put Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken on the map. It positioned his fast food as a symbol of hospitality. Perfect for post-war America’s emphasis on home, comfort, and traditional values.
1957-1968
Busy families wanted traditional Sunday meals without all the fuss or effort. In the late 1950s, KFC became one of the first fast-food restaurants to open on Sundays. With the changing norms in society, the plan worked. Lazy moms looking for a day off took a liking to the slogan with much relief.
1956-2011, 2015-2020, 2021-present
Madison Avenue didn’t create KFC’s most enduring slogan. The story goes that a franchise manager responded to a viewer’s complaint about finger-licking in an ad. The wording stuck and has been a hallmark of the brand ever since.
Late 1960s-1970s
When the fast food chain expanded nationwide, KFC leaned into its rural Kentucky roots to differentiate itself from urban burger chains. This slogan evoked authenticity. People knew when entering Kentucky Fried Chicken they were getting some legit hillbilly cuisine.
1976-1981
As moms were increasingly exercising to Bill Simmons workout videos in the late 1970s, this slogan helped them feel less guilty about downing that deep-fried chicken later in the day.
1980s
In the 1980s, new chicken chain upstarts like Bojangles and Popeyes popped up everywhere. To counteract the competition, KFC launched the slogan “Simple, Confident, Effective” to show expertise and quality commitment.
1994-Late 1990s
As consumer choice expanded in the 1990s, this slogan created a sense of universal appeal and mild FOMO. It made people think, “Yeah, I do need a little KFC in me.”
1998-present in some markets
When competition intensified, KFC wouldn’t take the fight lying down. Their secret weapon? KFC’s secret spice rub, used in all their recipes. 100% unique. 100% quality.
2006-2010
After the “Finger Lickin’ Good” trademark expired in the US, the brand chose a more generic, bland tagline that honestly fell a little flat.
2011-2015
This two-word global slogan reflected changing international markets and simpler messaging trends. But it the lacked character of the early heartwarming slogans of yesteryear.
2016
Amid growing consumer demands for authenticity, KFC returned to its founder’s legacy as a quality guarantee. The campaign revied ole’ Colonel Sanders’ image from the dead. Making the old man ubiquitous in the brand.
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