eXp Realty Agent Auctions Colonel Sanders’ Historic Home and KFC Artifacts
Event summary
- eXp Realty agent Jonathan Klunk is leading the auction of Colonel Sanders’ former home (Blackwood Hall) and the original KFC headquarters in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
- The offering includes approximately 3.03 acres of commercial real estate, an operating restaurant, intellectual property, and over 100 personal artifacts of Colonel Sanders.
- A confidential sealed-bid auction for the real estate and business is set to close on July 31, 2026.
- A separate live auction for Colonel Sanders’ memorabilia begins on July 28, 2026.
The big picture
This auction represents a strategic play by eXp Realty to differentiate itself in the real estate market by leveraging historical significance and storytelling. The move aligns with broader industry trends where unique properties and memorabilia are increasingly sought after for their cultural and investment value. The scale of the offering, including both real estate and personal artifacts, positions it as a notable event in the niche market of heritage property sales.
What we're watching
- Auction Dynamics
- Whether the sealed-bid process will attract sufficient interest given the property’s unique historical value and limited comparable sales.
- Brand Leveraging
- How eXp Realty may capitalize on this high-profile auction to enhance its brand reputation among agents and clients.
- Artifact Value
- The potential market response to Colonel Sanders’ personal artifacts, particularly the handwritten notes about KFC’s Original Recipe.