Murray, Utah: Col. Sanders Statue - 1st Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise
Outdoor life-size bronze Colonel stands with Pete Harman, who opened the first KFC franchise on this spot in 1952. Indoor displays pay tribute to their fateful partnership. The statue was dedicated on the restaurant's 50th anniversary.
- Address:
- 3890 S. State St., Murray, UT
- Directions:
- The statue is on the north side of the KFC that's on the northwest corner of S. State St. and E. 3900 S. Midway between I-15 exits 301 and 303, and a half-mile east.
- Hours:
- Daily 10-10 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 801-266-4431
- Admission:
- Free
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Col. Sanders Statue - 1st Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise
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Corbin, Kentucky, is where Colonel Sanders first sold his chicken, but the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise was in Salt Lake City. It opened in 1952 and is still fully operational. There is a big "traditional" bucket to mark the restaurant, as well as a marquee that reads, "Harlan's Cafe."
Pete Harman was the original franchisee. There is a statue of the Colonel and Pete beside the restaurant, and inside are KFC artifacts, like a Colonel Sanders white suit, a glass chicken bucket, original signage, and a briefcase with the Colonel's image on the side.
[Marc, 05/12/2015]
A Colonel Sanders suit is reverently displayed behind glass in the restaurant.
[Matthew Krist, 02/20/2015]
Had to give the Colonel some respect.
[Jeff Hammer, 09/19/2014]This is billed as the original KFC, and was in fact the first franchised location of the Colonel's chicken. Though it is a standard KFC today, it still has the original Harmon's Cafe sign outside.
[Rick Bruner, 02/08/2012]
Very 1st KFC restaurant site has life size statues of Pete Harmon and Col. Sanders on front side walk. Display inside includes Colonel's actual white suit, the original pressure cooker, original cover story magazines.
Pete took the risk that the 50-year-old hard working guy with the great time-saving chicken recipe -- without a dime in his pocket, offering him a franchise agreement -- was worth starting a restaurant with. They shook hands and agreed on five cents-a-chicken franchise cost. The rest is finger lickin' good history.
I saw the real secret of their success near the bathrooms. A photo shows the partners sprawled out on the sofa, exhausted. The soles on their shoes are almost worn through. These two guys really beat the pavement.
Old timers still call the place Harmon's.
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