Col. Sanders' Chicken Legacy Lives On

Cookbook author shares memories of the KFC founder's impact on his family's restaurant in Indiana

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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This week's column features a reader's request for advice on publishing a cookbook, which leads the author to reminisce about his family's history with the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise founded by Colonel Harland Sanders. The author shares details about the first KFC restaurant opened by the reader's parents in Rensselaer, Indiana, as well as the story of how Sanders built his chicken empire starting with his first $105 social security check.

Why it matters

The story highlights the enduring legacy of Colonel Sanders and the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand, which has become an iconic American business success story. It also touches on the challenges of publishing cookbooks in the modern era and provides inspiration for the reader's own plans to publish a community-focused cookbook.

The details

The reader, Karen Evers Stanley, wrote to the author about her parents' KFC restaurant in Rensselaer, Indiana, which was the first franchise location to open in that part of the state. The author has fond memories of eating at the restaurant as a child while visiting his grandmother. The column also discusses the difficulties of getting cookbook projects published today, with factors like the rising costs of paper and lumber, as well as changing consumer habits making it more challenging. However, the author encourages the reader to pursue her idea for a 'Tree to Table' cookbook, suggesting she look into independent publishing or seek grant funding to help bring the project to life.

  • The Rensselaer KFC restaurant opened in 1971.
  • The author's mother and sister attended St. Joseph's Catholic College in Rensselaer from 1984 to 1988.
  • The author's four published cookbooks were released between 2004 and 2019.

The players

Karen Evers Stanley

A reader from Rensselaer, Indiana, who is the daughter of the owners of the first KFC franchise to open in that part of the state.

Harold and Harriet Evers

The owners of the first KFC franchise to open in Rensselaer, Indiana, in 1971.

Colonel Harland Sanders

The founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant chain, who started the business at the age of 65 using his first $105 social security check.

Philip Potempa

The author of the 'From the Farm' column and four published cookbooks.

Peggy Potempa

The author's mother, who is originally from the Rensselaer, Indiana area.

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What they’re saying

“I have in my cookbook collection your 'Further From the Farm' Vol. 3 cookbook from 2010 and on page 131 there is mention of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Rensselaer, owned by Harold and Harriet Evers — my parents.”

— Karen Evers Stanley, Reader (Email)

“You'd look great on a (liquor) bottle label because you could sell me anything.”

— Henry Morgan, Panelist (I've Got A Secret (1964)

What’s next

The author suggests that Karen Evers Stanley consider independent publishing or seek grant funding to help bring her 'Tree to Table' cookbook project to life.

The takeaway

This story highlights the enduring legacy of Colonel Sanders and the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand, which started from humble beginnings with Sanders' first $105 social security check. It also provides inspiration for readers looking to publish their own community-focused cookbooks, despite the challenges of the modern publishing landscape.