Back in the day, it wasn’t unusual to find eateries attached to gas stations or vice versa. In fact, they provided a pretty convenient place for travelers to fuel up and rest before getting back on the road. Believe it or not, one of America’s most beloved fast-food chains actually started in the same way.

In the 1940s and 1950s, a then not-so-famous Colonel Sanders founded what is known as Kentucky Fried Chicken. He began his operation by owning gas stations that also sold delicious chicken dinners. Patrons could fuel up and grab some fried chicken to take home to their families. It was a winning combination up until the construction of the interstate highway system.

Once highways became popular, fewer patrons were stopping at the Colonel’s gas stations along the way. Because of this both the gas stations and the chicken businesses suffered. To make up for lost profits, the Colonel started franchising his beloved chicken restaurant instead. People quickly flocked to get that famous recipe chicken, even without the benefit of fueling up the car!

The rest, as they say, is fast food history! Today, Kentucky Fried Chicken’s abound from coast to coast, some are even placed right next to gas stations!