There's no doubt that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is one of the well-loved fast food chains in the world, but at least one man has vowed never to eat there again. What's interesting is he's the same person who set up the brand's empire in the United Kingdom.
Eighty-seven-year-old fast food restaurant mogul Raymond "Ray" Allen has recently confessed that he doesn't want to go and eat at any of the KFC branches, including one that has opened near his home. Well, his wife said they did dine once many years ago-and they aren't look forward to a repeat.
While many may think it could have something to do with calories and nutrition-its one-piece classic chicken recipe is already 320 calories-Allen has a different explanation: he doesn't appreciate the menu, calling it "dreadful" and that the brand has "destroyed" its own product.
KFC started in Louisville, Kentucky, and was founded by Harland Sanders, who's now famously called Colonel Sanders. Their main selling point has always been their deep-fried chicken flavored with more than 10 different spices and herbs, one of the guarded secrets Allen incidentally knew (although he couldn't remember everything on the recipe anymore).
Fifty years ago, Allen was in Chicago where he met the Colonel and talked about business. Being more business minded, Allen provided legal advice in terms of patents and trademarks. He also brought the brand to the UK, which, by then, was eating roasted chicken usually during the weekends.
In time, Allen grew the brand in the country, opening more than 200 franchises. Sanders later sold KFC to Yum Brands, which also offers Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
As the brand grew worldwide, so did the menu, which Allen didn't like. He'd rather prefer KFC to focus on one thing it's good at, which is chicken. His wife later confessed that during the only time they ate there, they got so confused with so many products to choose from.
The Allens sold their business during the 1970s.