The historic property that was once home to Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, is set to be auctioned off, alongside an array of memorabilia from the Sanders family. The auction will take place on July 28 at 6 p.m. (ET) and features significant items such as Sanders’ iconic bow tie along with various artifacts that reflect both his personal and professional life shared with his wife, Claudia.
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Located in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Backwood Hall and the adjoining Claudia Sanders Dinner House served as the first headquarters for KFC and played a vital role in the brand’s history. The properties, which are spread over three acres, were the residence of the Sanders family for about 25 years. During this period, Colonel Sanders utilised the site as a training ground for budding franchise owners before selling the booming chicken chain in 1964.
Since 1974, the properties have been in the possession of Tommy and Cherry Settle, who were close friends of the Sanders family. After taking ownership, the Settles dedicated themselves to preserving the legacy of the Sanders by maintaining the historical significance of the properties. The auction is being facilitated by Menish Group Auction & Real Estate on behalf of the Settle family, who are now ready to pass on this slice of Kentucky history.
The auction offers a unique opportunity for potential bidders to acquire more than just the physical properties. Interested parties will have a chance to bid on a comprehensive collection that includes furniture, fixtures, equipment, intellectual property, trademarks, and goodwill associated with the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. The auction documentation described this opportunity as a chance to become “the next steward of one of Kentucky’s most recognised hospitality landmarks.”
Following KFC’s expansion, the Sanders family pivoted to running the Claudia Sanders Dinner House, which allowed them to continue sharing their culinary traditions and hospitality values even after the sale of the KFC franchise. The dinner house thrived as an extension of Colonel Sanders’ original vision, welcoming guests long after his departure from the fast-food giant.
Originally listed for sale at $9 million in 2022, the price for the historical site was lowered to $4.9 million in 2023, although it remains unclear if it has been on the market continuously since its initial listing. As interest in the auction builds, prospective bidders are drawn to the potential to own a piece of both culinary and cultural history.
Among the various items up for auction are personal belongings of the couple, many of which have remained unseen by the public due to decades of careful preservation by the Settle family. Bidders will have the chance to own both personal effects as well as historical documents that reflect the professional achievements of Colonel Sanders.
The Menish Group highlighted the diverse assortment of artefacts, stating the auction includes restaurant memorabilia, furnishings, photographs, and various objects tied to the operation of Blackwood Hall and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. They described the collection as offering a rare insight into the lives of the individuals behind one of the world’s most well-known brands.
To generate excitement around the auction, a public preview of the auction items has been scheduled for July 26. This will allow potential buyers to examine the unique collection before placing their bids. All bids must be submitted by the end of the day on July 31, marking the close of this remarkable opportunity to own a significant part of American culinary history. As the auction date approaches, the public anticipates the chance to engage with not only a physical property but also the legacy of Colonel Sanders and his indelible mark on the food industry.