Few hospitality properties in America can trace their history directly to one of the world’s most recognizable entrepreneurs.

The Claudia Sanders Dinner House and Blackwood Hall represent the final chapter in the remarkable story of Colonel Harland Sanders and Claudia Sanders. Together, these properties served as their home, workplace, training center, and hospitality destination for decades.

Prior to the sale of Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1964, the property served as headquarters for the growing KFC franchise organization. Franchise owners and operators traveled to Shelbyville to learn directly from Colonel Sanders as the company expanded across the United States and around the world.

Following the sale of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Colonel and Claudia Sanders established what would become the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. The property remained a center of hospitality, training, and business activity, while allowing the Colonel to continue sharing the standards and values that helped build one of the most successful restaurant brands in history.

Adjacent to the restaurant stands Blackwood Hall, the longtime residence of Colonel and Claudia Sanders. For approximately twenty-five years, the home served as their primary residence and welcomed countless guests, franchise owners, business associates, and friends.

On August 1, 1974, Tommy and Cherry Settle purchased both Blackwood Hall and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House directly from Colonel and Claudia Sanders. Since that time, the Settle family has continued operating the restaurant while preserving the property’s history, character, and connection to the Sanders legacy.

Today, the property continues to welcome thousands of guests annually and remains one of Kentucky’s most recognizable dining destinations.