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50 years of marketing at KFC50 years of marketing at KFC

Nation’s Restaurant News commemorates its 50th anniversary this year with special retrospective features. Join the celebration on social media with the hashtag #NRN50Years.

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 8, 2016

5 Min Read
Nation's Restaurant News logo in a gray background | Nation's Restaurant News

Decades of restaurant marketing can mean changes big and small. 

Nation's Restaurant News, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is looking back at how brands have tackled various aspects of the restaurant business. KFC provides rich fodder for looking at marketing timelines.

With the reintroduction over the past year of its iconic Colonel, based on founder Harland Sanders, KFC has returned to its original messaging. The division of Louisville, Ky.-based Yum! Brands Inc. brought back the Colonel, and even provided a Snapchat lens that allowed fans to make themselves look like the iconic mascot.

“In recent years, we have worked hard to bring The Colonel back to front and center in our marketing,” said Kevin Hochman, KFC US chief m...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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