Kentucky Fried Chicken, popularly known as KFC, is a fast food restaurant chain that is known for its fried chicken. Headquarted in Louisville, Kentucky, the United States, KFC is the world’s second largest chain restaurant after McDonald’s. Currently, KFC has more than 18,000 outlets in over 100 countries. Every day, more than 12 million customers are served at KFC outlets around the world. KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. KFC was the first foreign fast food restaurant chain to enter India in 1990s after the Indian government implemented the LPG policy. At that time, KFC received permission from Indian government to open 30 outlets across the country.

The first KFC outlet in India was opened in Bangalore in June 1995 and from these outlets, the number has grown to 296 today. Fast food restaurants have gained popularity in India because of their customized menus that suits the taste-buds of the citizens. When KFC first entered the Indian market, there were a lot of protests, and the Bangalore outlet was repeatedly ran-sacked. Many Indians were worried that the western culture would seep into the Indian roots, leading to the dilution of indigenous traditions. Another KFC outlet was opened in Delhi in the same year but the combined revenue of both the outlets was not sufficient to continue the KFC business in India. The reason why KFC didn’t gained the popularity is because anti-KFC movements that accused KFC of using illegally high amount of mono-sodium glutamate, which are harmful to health. Also, the anti-KFC movements claimed that KFC sold food that was cooked and fried in pork fat. Because of these KFC had to abandon Indian market.

Once the Indian market cooled down, KFC returned to the country in 1999, and set up an outlet in Bangalore. Until 2004, KFC only operated 1 outlet in India, As the sole outlet started making money, KFC expanded its operation throughout India and today, KFC outlets can be found in a number of cities.

It is the tenacity, that won the hearts and stomachs of millions of Indians, to finally decided to embrace KFC’s dishes and gave KFC a second chance.