Put Corbin—and the Colonel—on the map
- Knox Thames
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 25
On a recent drive from Knoxville to Richmond on I-75, I was surprised by the meager signage pointing travelers to a significant historical and culinary site: the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Corbin, Kentucky.
I had the opportunity to travel the world while serving as a U.S. diplomat. As a native of Kentucky (Richmond specifically), it always brought a smile to my face to see Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in countries as different as Great Britain and Sri Lanka. However, few people realize that the original cafe of this global brand still exists in a small town in southeastern Kentucky.
When I last drove I-75, I saw no signage indicating this historic attraction, except for one state sign just before the exit. It’s a huge missed opportunity—not only for Kentucky pride, but for Corbin’s local economy.
For drivers traveling between Knoxville and Richmond—a long stretch where roadside dining and tourism options are scarce—signs promoting the cafe and museum would surely spark curiosity. It could provide an interesting (and tasty) pit stop, drawing visitors to Corbin who might not otherwise come, and giving a boost to local businesses and tourism. Many motorists would stop out of sheer curiosity.
To steer drivers to Corbin, the city should collaborate with state leaders in Frankfurt and KFC executives to promote the Harland Sanders Café and Museum up and down I-75, spanning 50 miles north and south of Corbin. Much like Buc-ee’s does today or the old “See Rock City” signs once did, bombard drivers with reminders. If resources dictate a more modest approach, even a billboard just inside the Kentucky state line on I-75N, and one facing southbound traffic from Rockcastle County, would educate drivers. They could plan a pit stop in advance, as food options are slim and there are no other major points of interest along that stretch.
Second, state and local officials could improve the signage once drivers have exited onto 25E. The area around Corbin isn’t hard to navigate, but it’s not intuitive either. Since 25E and 25W are busy state highways, designate a Kentucky Scenic Byway that directs visitors down South Stewart Road, to Bryley, to Wilcox. It would be a pleasant country drive, offering visitors a charming first impression of the area.
Lastly, if foot traffic increases, Corbin could explore ways to expand the experience. Can an enterprise zone be created around the cafe and museum to encourage local entrepreneurs to establish Kentucky craft stores or artisan shops? Space is limited, but with some creative thinking, adjacent lots could be reimagined to allow a "KFC Village" to emerge—something that would celebrate Corbin and Kentucky’s culture.
KFC is one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, but many of the thousands of drivers on I-75 don't realize the cafe still stands. I-75 is one of the busiest north-south interstates in America, an untapped source of tourism dollars. However, the lack of knowledge means those opportunities drive on by.
While I no longer live in the state, I’m still a Kentuckian at heart—and I’d love to see more people experience the original KFC cafe. Let’s put Corbin back on the map. The birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken deserves more than a passing glance.
A Kentucky native, Knox Thames is a former diplomat who lives with his family in the Washington, DC, area.
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