Biggest in the country: Harrisburg KFC reopens

HARRISBURG -- Harrisburg's KFC restaurant reopened Thursday, and at a ribbon-cutting Wednesday its owners revealed it is once again the largest KFC in the U.S.

"We've done some research, and as far as we know, it is the largest," Steve Dearing, senior vice president of design construction for JRN Inc., said. "There might be one that has a greater seating capacity, but this one is the largest in terms of square footage. And it's the only one we know of with a double buffet as well."

Indeed, the sprawling, 7,408 square-foot restaurant that seats 195 stands alone as a signature restaurant paying homage to KFC founder Col. Harland Sanders. A centerpiece chandelier with a large stylized KFC chicken bucket hangs in the restaurant, and the spacious interior calls to mind an upscale eatery.

"We are excited to welcome the community back to enjoy the Colonel's delicious Original Recipe chicken, homestyle sides and biscuits," said Tyrone Neal, President of JRN Inc. "Combining our heritage with modern convenience has made for a unique, one-of-a-kind flagship KFC restaurant."

On Wednesday, Saline County Chamber of Commerce members, along with representatives of Harrisburg city government, were treated to the restaurant's buffet at the end of the ribbon-cutting.

Restaurant general manager Val Mitchell, who has worked at the Harrisburg KFC for years, said she's glad to be back in the fried chicken business.

"I've grown with the business," Mitchell said. "Our customers are like family. I really enjoy serving families good wholesome meals. That makes me happy."

Besides JRN representatives and local guests, Col. Sanders himself was on hand for the celebration.

Col. C.J. Sizemore began portraying Col. Sanders in 2002. He became interested in the KFC founder after numerous people mentioned the likeness between the two men. While Col. Sanders died in 1980, Sizemore, who was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2004 by then-Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher, says he's proud to continue the KFC tradition.

"I'm honored to be here today and partake in this wonderful celebration," Sizemore said.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek said he's proud of the efforts that went into rebuilding the new restaurant and that it will provide 60 full- and part-time jobs for area residents.

"I'm proud to say the city of Harrisburg is home to the largest KFC in the USA," he said.