Colonel Harland Sanders, the iconic founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was known for his dedication to quality. However, one menu item he reportedly despised was the chain’s gravy. Despite his strong opinions, the gravy has become a staple for KFC fans across the nation.

Colonel Sanders’ Critique

After selling KFC to investors in 1964, Sanders stayed on as the company’s public face. He frequently voiced concerns about changes to the menu, particularly the gravy. In a 1978 interview with the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, Sanders didn’t hold back, describing the gravy as ‘horrible’ and likening it to ‘wallpaper paste.’ He criticized the quality, claiming it lacked the richness of his original recipe.

Sanders’ comments were so controversial that a KFC franchise in Bowling Green, Kentucky, filed a lawsuit against him and the newspaper. However, the lawsuit was dismissed, with the Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that Sanders’ remarks were directed at KFC as a whole, not at the specific franchise.

Gravy’s Enduring Popularity

Despite Sanders’ harsh words, KFC’s gravy continues to have a loyal following. On platforms like Reddit, fans have defended the side dish, with some considering it a comfort food. Others have noted that the gravy served during Sanders’ era was different, allegedly including ingredients like chicken cracklings and milk.

While Sanders may have been critical, the enduring popularity of KFC’s gravy highlights how tastes can vary and how a dish can become beloved despite its creator’s disapproval. KFC has yet to comment on the ongoing debate over its gravy.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.