The Food That Built America Season 2 Episode 12 A Game of Chicken

The Food That Built America is a compelling docuseries that explores the history of iconic American food brands and the innovators and entrepreneurs who helped shape American cuisine. Season 2 of the show includes an episode named "A Game of Chicken," which delves into the origins of the fast-food industry, as well as the fierce competition and innovations that drove its growth.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the unlikely origins of the chicken industry in America. In the early 1900s, chicken was considered a luxury food item, reserved for special occasions and expensive restaurants. However, the rise of the railway industry and advances in refrigeration technology made it possible to transport poultry across the country, making it more widely available and affordable.

The first big player in the chicken industry was a man named Jimmie "The Chicken King" Skinner, who began selling fried chicken from a street cart in the 1930s. Skinner's secret recipe for fried chicken was a hit with customers, and he was soon able to open his own restaurant, which he called "Skinner's Southern Kitchen." Skinner's restaurant became a must-visit spot for travelers passing through Mississippi, and his success inspired other entrepreneurs to create their own chicken-based businesses.

One such entrepreneur was Harland Sanders, who was better-known as Colonel Sanders. Sanders had been running a service station in Kentucky, but when the highway was rerouted away from his business, he was forced to find a new way to make a living. He started cooking fried chicken in his own kitchen and selling it to travelers passing through, eventually opening his own restaurant, which he called "Kentucky Fried Chicken." Sanders' secret recipe for fried chicken, which included a blend of 11 herbs and spices, was a hit with customers, and his business grew rapidly.

The rise of fast food restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s further propelled the chicken industry forward. Chain restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King began adding chicken sandwiches to their menus, and companies like Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms saw an opportunity to dominate the market. These companies began investing heavily in chicken production, using advanced breeding techniques to create bigger, meatier birds that could be sold at a lower cost.

The episode also explores the controversies and challenges that the chicken industry has faced over the years. For example, some activists have raised concerns about the treatment of chickens in factory farms, while others have criticized the use of antibiotics in chicken production. In recent years, plant-based food companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have also posed a threat to the traditional chicken industry, as more and more consumers choose to eat meat alternatives.

Overall, "A Game of Chicken" is a fascinating look at the history of one of America's most beloved foods. By tracing the rise of the chicken industry from its humble beginnings to its current status as a multi-billion dollar industry, the episode offers insights into the power of innovation, competition, and branding in shaping American cuisine. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just a fan of good storytelling, "A Game of Chicken" is definitely worth watching.