#35 • Kentucky Fried Chicken Frying Order Instruction Cards (Group of Four)

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $750.00

Status: Sold

  DESCRIPTION Group of four Kentucky Fried Chicken "Frying Order" instruction cards used in restaurant operations. These printed reference sheets outline the prescribed distribution of chicken pieces for individual serving orders and larger "Bucket O'" chicken orders, including the allocation of kiel bone, wings, ribs, thighs, and drumsticks. Produced as practical kitchen guides, the cards were intended for use by franchise personnel to ensure consistency in food preparation and portioning throughout the Kentucky Fried Chicken system. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE As Kentucky Fried Chicken expanded across North America and internationally, operational consistency became one of the company's greatest challenges. Printed guides such as these represent the systems and procedures that allowed Colonel Sanders' concept to be replicated successfully across hundreds of locations. While promotional materials and signage often survive, everyday operational documents were typically discarded after use. As a result, surviving examples provide valuable insight into the practical workings of the business during its formative years and illustrate the level of detail involved in maintaining quality and uniformity throughout the franchise network. STORY & CONTEXT Colonel Sanders built Kentucky Fried Chicken on the promise that customers would receive the same product regardless of location. Achieving that goal required detailed preparation standards governing everything from cooking methods to portion distribution. These instruction cards would have served as quick-reference tools for kitchen staff, ensuring that each order contained the correct assortment of chicken pieces. Though simple in appearance, they reflect the operational discipline that helped transform Kentucky Fried Chicken from a regional restaurant concept into one of the world's most recognizable food brands. PROVENANCE From the preserved personal collection associated with Colonel Harland Sanders and Claudia Sanders, maintained by the Settle family at Blackwood Hall. The collection was preserved through the longstanding relationship between the Sanders and Settle families and remained together for decades. CONDITION Group consists of four printed instruction cards. Light age toning and minor handling wear are present. Cards remain clean, legible, and structurally sound with no significant losses noted. Overall condition is consistent with preserved restaurant operational materials of the period.