Why KFC stopped calling itself Kentucky Fried Chicken — and the myths that still won't die

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. 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. THE KFC MENU ITEM COLONEL SANDERS HATED BE