Fried Chicken Franchises

When someone travels overseas, they get to experience all sorts of new sights and sounds.

The world is filled with an abundance of different cultures, ranging from the exotic to the bizarre. However, in an ever increasingly globalised world, it is inevitable that some things may seem familiar no matter where we go. One such thing is the sweet, fragrant mouth-watering smell of fried chicken.

It may not be the healthiest or the most extravagant of foods, but fried chicken has proven to be one of, if not the most popular guilty pleasures in the world. The typical breaded fried chicken we know today found its humble beginnings in the southern states of the U.S. in the 1830s; but can trace its origins to Scottish or West African cuisine.

The popularity of fried chicken arguably stemmed from necessity. The dish was often made by African slaves during the 19th century who could not afford to have any meat apart from chickens. The slaves would deep-fry the poultry with lard and flour, which gave them an inexpensive, caloric and fairly delicious meal. It endured the fall of slavery and gradually passed into common use as a general Southern dish.

The idea of deep-frying breaded chicken would spread throughout the United States and eventually, the rest of the world. Many opportunistic entrepreneurs saw an opportunity at the ease and quickness of preparing the flavourful meal, leading to the founding of many of the fast food restaurants we see today.

Not to be outdone by their western counterparts, the Asian market has birthed hundreds of restaurants featuring fried chicken. Some become successful franchises, others maintain one humble store. Each puts a unique spin on their recipes or service to differentiate themselves from the competition.