Kentucky Fried Chicken officially shortened its name to KFC in 1991, and the reason behind the rebranding has fueled rumors ever since. One persistent myth falsely claims the Commonwealth of Kentucky trademarked the state’s name and forced the company to pay licensing fees.

Debunking the Myths

Another urban legend alleged KFC was breeding extra-large, genetically modified organisms with extra legs, so they couldn’t technically call their signature dish ‘chicken’ anymore. However, these rumors have been debunked, and KFC China won a defamation lawsuit that resulted in three tech firms being fined for damaging KFC’s brand.

The updated name was intended to distance the restaurant chain from unhealthy connotations with fried food, according to The Takeout. Kentucky Fried Chicken was struggling with declining earnings, higher prices, and an evil word in its name — fried — when it changed its name.

KFC’s website includes company history that says its founder, Harland Sanders, opened a roadside service station in 1930 and began serving his southern-style chicken. Colonel Sanders’ original establishment was called Sanders Court & Cafe, according to the Sanders Cafe and Museum, located in Corbin, the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

KFC was trying to save space in advertising and make a bigger impression on people, according to Ken Albala, professor of history at the University of the Pacific. The company has the widest global footprint of any quick-service restaurant brand with 30,000-plus restaurants in 150 countries and is one of the world’s fastest-growing retail brands.

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