14 Urban Legends About Famous Companies That Were Weirdly True

Every big company has rumors swirling around it, but some of the strangest stories actually turned out to be real. From secret ingredients to bizarre decisions behind the scenes, these legends crossed the line from myth to fact. They prove that sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.

Tricia Quitales
May 1, 2025
4 min read

14 Urban Legends About Famous Companies That Were Weirdly True — David Denardi on Pexels

Urban legends often sound too wild to believe, especially when they involve major companies. However, some of these stories once passed around as jokes or gossip were later confirmed as true. This article explores 14 corporate myths that ended up being rooted in reality, surprising even the biggest skeptics. Whether shocking, funny, or downright odd, each one reveals a weird but honest side of well-known brands.

1. KFC Changed Its Name to Hide “Fried”

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Many people believed that KFC dropped “Kentucky Fried Chicken” to avoid using the word “fried.” Oddly enough, that’s mostly true; it was a move to sound healthier and more modern. The name change also dodged state trademark fees tied to using “Kentucky.”

2. Coca-Cola Once Contained Cocaine

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It sounds like a wild exaggeration, but the original Coca-Cola recipe did include a small amount of cocaine. This was back in the late 1800s, when coca leaf extract was a common ingredient. The drug was removed completely by 1929, but the legend lives on.

3. Apple’s First Logo Was Almost Nothing Like Today’s

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People often think Apple’s sleek logo has always looked the same, but the first version was a detailed image of Isaac Newton under a tree. It was quickly replaced because it was too complex for branding. The original design feels shocking when compared to today’s minimalist apple.

4. Google’s First Office Was in a Garage

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It might sound like a startup cliché, but Google really did begin in a garage. The space belonged to Susan Wojcicki, who later became YouTube’s CEO. That humble beginning made the company’s rise even more impressive.

5. Taco Bell Once Bought the Liberty Bell (Sort Of)

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In 1996, Taco Bell announced it had purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell.” It turned out to be an April Fool’s joke, but many believed it at first. The prank was so believable that it even prompted questions in Congress.

6. Nike’s Logo Was Designed for $35

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The famous Nike “Swoosh” logo looks like it came from a high-end agency, but a college student created it. Carolyn Davidson was paid just $35 at the time. Years later, Nike gave her stock and a gold ring as thanks when the brand took off.

7. The Amazon Logo Hides a Message

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Some thought Amazon’s logo, with its smiley arrow, had a deeper meaning. It turns out that it does. The arrow goes from A to Z, showing that the site sells everything. The smile was added to suggest customer happiness.

8. The McDonald’s Ice Cream Machine Mystery

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It became a running joke that McDonald’s ice cream machines are always broken. The odd truth is that they are overly complex and require long cleaning cycles, often taking them offline. The situation became so well-known that it sparked investigations and lawsuits.

9. The Red Bull Can Was Inspired by Thai Energy Drinks

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Many believed Red Bull wasn’t an original creation but based on a Thai drink — and they were right. The founder discovered the drink while traveling and partnered with the original maker. They changed the recipe for Western markets and created the iconic brand we know now.

10. Disney Was Sued for Copying a Lion King Plot

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Fans noticed The Lion King resembled a Japanese anime called Kimba the White Lion. The similarities sparked a lot of debate, and though Disney denied copying, even animators admitted the influence. The company was never officially sued, but the rumor came from real comparisons.

11. Facebook’s “Like” Button Almost Didn’t Happen

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It sounds like a myth, but Facebook almost scrapped the “Like” button. Leaders worried it would be too passive or that people would overuse it. It ended up being one of the platform’s most defining features.

12. Pepsi Once Owned the 6th Largest Military Fleet

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In the 1980s, Pepsi made a deal with the Soviet Union involving trade for military equipment. For a brief time, the company owned submarines and warships — on paper, at least. They later sold the fleet, but the odd fact gave rise to a wild-sounding legend that turned out to be true.

13. Lego Almost Went Bankrupt

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Most assume Lego has always been successful, but the early 2000s were rough. The company lost focus and tried too many risky ventures. It took significant restructuring and creative thinking to bring the brand back from the edge.

14. Samsung Started as a Grocery Store

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It’s hard to picture now, but Samsung didn’t begin as a tech giant. It started in 1938 selling dried fish, noodles, and groceries in South Korea. Over time, it transformed into one of the biggest electronics companies in the world.