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Corbin, Kentucky: Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken

A working KFC inside Col. Sanders' first restaurant has a mini-museum with exhibits, relics, and restorations of 1940s-vintage rooms, including the kitchen where Kentucky Fried Chicken was invented. Remodeled and reopened April 2022. Photo-ops outside.

Visitor Tips and News About Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken

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Col. Sanders display.

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

It's only 3-5 minutes off the interstate. Interesting museum that transports you back to the 1940s -- and you can eat there, too.

[Tiffany H., 09/10/2015]
Harland Sanders Cafe And Museum

A little slice of American history. The food is regular KFC fare, but once you sit down you're transported back to the diner days of old. Even my 16 year old son thought it was cool!

[Jenn, 08/06/2014]

Sanders Cafe and historical marker.

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

Great vintage postcards and souvenirs. I purchased an LP vinyl album featuring the Colonel's Brass Band.

[Elizabethanne Fuller Murray, 01/04/2012]

Sanders Cafe sign.

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

A museum embraces the history of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant in its original location. There is the original kitchen and a recreated lodging room that was part of the original business. As learned from the signs, Harland also pumped gas as one of his services. This is a small museum with a modern restaurant of the KFC chain attached, where you do your ordering of food, then sit in another room, where a glassed-in replica of what a table service would have looked like sits off to one side.

[Everson, 06/18/2007]
Colonel Sanders Cafe

The Colonel Sanders Cafe is STILL being remodeled, but it's open for business. There are several areas still off limits (under re-construction I guess) but you CAN see the kitchen "where it all began" and also some displays of ads, buckets, and Kentucky Fried Toys! Get your picture made with Harlan on a park bench or with his bust (duplicate of Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville). The Colonel's famous suit and cane had mysteriously vanished, leaving only an empty display case and label behind.

[A. McNutt, 08/19/2001]

Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

Address:
688 US-25W, Corbin, KY
Directions:
Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum. I-75 exit 29. Drive east on US-25 E./Cumberland Gap Pkwy for 1.5 miles. Turn right at the stoplight onto US-25 W. for a little over a half-mile. On the right; look for the KFC bucket.
Hours:
Daily 10-10 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
606-528-2163
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Colonel Sanders StatueColonel Sanders Statue, Corbin, KY - < 1 mi.
Outdoor Millstones CollectionOutdoor Millstones Collection, London, KY - 9 mi.
World Chicken FestivalWorld Chicken Festival, London, KY - 12 mi.
In the region:
Ghostly Image in a Window, Richmond, KY - 62 mi.

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