Evolution of KFC’s Iconic Logo

The inception of the KFC brand reads like the origin story of a legendary superhero logo. In 1930, Harland Sanders embarked on his culinary journey, starting with country ham and steaks at a humble Shell filling station along US Route 25. This early endeavor laid the groundwork for what would become a globally recognized symbol of quality and taste.

As Sanders’ culinary empire expanded, his quest for efficiency and excellence led to the introduction of groundbreaking innovations. In 1936, his remarkable success earned him the prestigious title of Kentucky colonel, a badge of honor befitting a culinary superhero. This professional logo design marked the beginning of a legacy that would transcend generations.

With the expansion of his restaurant and the elevation of fried chicken to its rightful place as the signature dish, Sanders faced the challenge of maintaining quality while increasing speed. Enter innovation number one: the pressure fryer method, a revolutionary technique that transformed the industry landscape. This design company logo represented a leap forward in culinary technology and solidified KFC’s status as an industry leader.

By 1940, Sanders had unlocked another dimension of flavor with his secret recipe featuring 11 herbs and spices — a stroke of genius that would shape the future of fast food logos. This culinary masterpiece, innovation number two, remains the cornerstone of KFC’s identity, a testament to the power of a well-crafted company logo design.

In 1952, Sanders made a bold move that would forever change the fast-food landscape: the widespread adoption of the franchise model. This strategic decision, akin to the formation of a league of superheroes, propelled KFC to new heights of success and influence. The logo design agency behind KFC’s iconic imagery captured the essence of Sanders’ vision, paving the way for countless imitators.

Today, KFC stands as a towering figure in the world of fast food logos, second only to McDonald’s in global prominence. Its enduring legacy, rooted in quality, innovation, and commitment to Sanders’ vision, continues to inspire admiration and emulation. Like a beacon in the night, the KFC logo beckons hungry patrons with its warm colors and inviting imagery, a symbol of hospitality and culinary excellence.

The History of KFC

The KFC logo design, a symbol of fast food and comfort, has evolved over time. Graphic designers can explore the history and evolution of this iconic emblem, exploring the intricate details that went into crafting it.

This article is aimed at both seasoned professionals and budding designers, highlighting the power of visual storytelling in branding and the journey of the KFC logo design.

Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, was born in 1890 and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at the age of forty in 1930. Despite mixed success in various professions, Sanders never gave up on his entrepreneurial goals.

In 1930, he purchased a Shell filling station in North Corbin, Kentucky, and repurposed it into a restaurant serving southern-style dishes. Harland Sanders opened his first restaurant in Kentucky, expanding to a larger location. He became a prominent figure in the business community, earning the title of Colonel by Governor Ruby Laffoon.

Despite the long prep time for fried chicken, Sanders refused to use deep frying due to its perceived quality loss. In 1939, he modified pressure cookers into pressure fryers, reducing the prep time for fried chicken while maintaining quality.

In 1940, Harland Sanders created the “Original Recipe” for Kentucky Fried Chicken, which he later franchised to other restaurant owners. By 1955, KFC had over 600 locations across the US, making it the largest fast-food chain at the time. During this period, Sanders adopted the persona of “Colonel Sanders” and became the franchise’s mascot.

He would visit KFC restaurants, acting as both an ambassador and spokesman for the brand. Although Sanders passed away in 1980, his persona remains a key aspect of KFC’s branding. The company’s recognizable logo design has also played a significant role in KFC’s growth, using the logo in various ways to increase the restaurant’s popularity.

The Meaning of KFC Logo Design

As mentioned earlier, Colonel Sanders has been the foundation of KFC’s brand image since the very beginning. The first logo for Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants was a combination logo, a type of logo consisting of both the company name and an icon.

In this case, the icon is the portrait of the founder. The whole thing is quite simple: in this version, only black and white are used. The KFC logo, used from 1952 to 1978, featured a decorative sans-serif font with a cartoonish edge, promoting accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere.

The Evolution of KFC Logo

The First Version (1954–1959)

A handwritten style of font with brush strokes on the ends is used to write the full name of the chain. To add character and uniqueness, all the letters “C” in the inscription are italicized. The logo is completed by four chickens that just popped out of their eggs. They are positioned next to all the capital letters.

The Second Version (1959–1978)

In 1959, KFC’s logo design underwent a significant transformation, featuring a hand-drawn typeface, enlarged first letters, and Colonel Sanders’ portrait, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create compelling brand stories.

The Third Version (1978–1991)

In 1978, the KFC logo design underwent a significant transformation, incorporating modernity and a repositioned emblem, resulting in a dynamism and sophistication that continues to resonate in design.

The Fourth Version (1991–1997)

The 1991 KFC logo redesign emphasized connection and warmth, with a bold red lettering and red rectangular at the top, showcasing boldness and creativity while staying true to the brand’s roots.

The Fifth Version (1997–2006)

In 1997, KFC’s logo design underwent a significant transformation, featuring a square emblem, updated Colonel portrait, and redesigned interior and exterior designs, reflecting modernity, class, and heritage.

The Sixth Version (2006–2018)

In 2006, KFC’s logo design incorporated a modern twist with a deep red circle and updated Colonel attire, showcasing the brand’s ability to evolve while maintaining its identity.

The Seventh Version (2014–2018)

In 2014, KFC’s logo design underwent a minimalistic transformation, incorporating a monochrome color palette, Colonel portrait, and bold black serif typeface, showcasing the brand’s essence and timeless principles.

The Eight and Current Version (2018 — Present)

The 2018 KFC logo redesign brought freshness and dynamism to the brand’s visual identity. The trapeze shape, refined portrait of the iconic Colonel, and white and red background create a vivid backdrop.

The updated logo embodies warmth and hospitality, showcasing the art of balancing tradition with innovation. The 2018 KFC logo serves as a beacon of effective design, reflecting the brand’s essence and connecting with its audience in a familiar and exciting way.

The Font & Color of KFC Logo

The Font

The simple italic type used for the “KFC” characters in the current emblem has been used since 1991. The font for the “Kentucky Fried Chicken” inscription has changed more than once, becoming more and more minimalistic.

The Color

The logo of Colonel Sanders, the founder of the fast-food chain, features a smiling face, promoting hospitality and delicious food. The emblem is used as an original brand name and decoration for the building facade, with the abbreviation written in an italic, uppercase font with serifs and non-aggressive red color.

Basically, the color scheme (red, black, and white) has stayed the same since the 1991 version of the logo was created. However, if you take a closer look at the latest emblem, you will definitely notice the difference in the shade of red used: it has become a bit darker, less bright.

FAQs

What does the KFC logo represent?

The logo of KFC represents the historical heritage of the company, depicting the portrait of the founder of the brand, Colonel Sanders. Harland Sander’s image is accompanied by bold KFC lettering and a timeless and powerful color palette, composed of red, black, and white.

Why did KFC choose its logo?

KFC has been with its logo since the very beginning of the company. And the depiction of Colonel Sanders has always been its central element. As the colonel had a perfect reputation in Kentucky and was a local celebrity, it was very logical to use his portrait for the emblem.

Is the KFC logo a body?

The logo of KFC is not a body, but a portrait. Portrait of a man, who founded the brand, and the portrait, that has never left the badge of the fast-food chain, becoming synonymous with KFC, and one of the most recognizable design history.

What is the new KFC logo?

The new KFC logo is a refined and brightened-up version of the previous badge, with the black contoured portrait of Colonel Sanders, placed on a white background of a trapezoid, with two solid red elements on the sides and a bold uppercase “KFC” lettering written in black along the bottom line of the badge.

Conclusion

The exploration of KFC’s logo design journey transcends mere visual evolution; it unveils a narrative rich in innovation, brand consistency, adaptability, and strategic foresight. Beyond the realm of fast food logos, this saga resonates deeply, offering profound lessons for graphic designers worldwide. Just as superhero logos as a spirit of transformation, the KFC logo design exemplifies how visual elements can encapsulate a brand’s essence while evolving with the times, yet remaining true to its origins. In the realm of graphic logo designs, KFC stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of custom logo services to craft enduring symbols of identity and legacy. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of logo design websites, the insights gleaned from KFC’s journey provide a compass for creating impactful and resonant visual identities in an ever-changing market.