Ep 6. The Chicken Coup

In season 4 episode 6 of The Food That Built America, titled "The Chicken Coup," viewers are taken on a journey through the origins and growth of the chicken industry in America. The episode begins in the early 1900s when chicken was not a commonly consumed meat and was considered a delicacy reserved for special occasions. However, as the demand for chicken increased, entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to capitalize on this emerging market.

The episode highlights the story of two individuals, Colonel Harlan Sanders and Frank Perdue, who played pivotal roles in shaping the chicken industry. Colonel Sanders, who was an aspiring restauranteur, experimented with different recipes and ways of cooking chicken until he finally came up with the secret recipe for his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken. He then marketed his chicken as finger-licking good and built a successful franchise empire that made chicken a staple in American households.

On the other hand, Frank Perdue, who inherited his father's chicken farm, was faced with the challenge of getting people to buy chicken when it was not a popular meat. To differentiate his chicken from others, he used innovative marketing techniques such as television commercials and packaging designs that highlighted the quality and freshness of his chicken. He also introduced the concept of "Branding" in the chicken industry by prominently displaying his name and picture on all of Perdue's packaging.

The episode also explores the advancements in chicken farming and processing that made it possible for chicken to become more affordable and accessible to the masses. One such development was the invention of the "chicken incubator," which allowed farmers to raise and hatch chickens in large quantities. This led to an increase in production and a decrease in prices, making chicken an affordable source of protein for all Americans.

In addition to the success stories, the episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by the chicken industry, such as the emergence of food safety concerns and animal cruelty accusations. These issues led to regulations and standards being put in place to ensure that the chicken industry operated ethically and that the chickens were treated humanely.

Overall, "The Chicken Coup" is an insightful episode that takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of the chicken industry in America. It highlights the grit, determination, innovation, and hard work of entrepreneurs who revolutionized the way Americans consume and think about chicken. The episode is an excellent reminder of the impact that individuals can have on industries and how creating a product that satisfies consumers' desires can lead to unparalleled success.