KFC, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, as announced by its parent company, Yum Brands. Around 100 corporate employees, along with additional remote workers, will be moving to the new location with relocation assistance provided.
This shift is part of Yum Brands’ strategy to establish dual headquarters for its main brands: KFC and Pizza Hut will now be based in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California. Texas, with its lower taxes and pro-business policies, has become a popular destination for many companies in recent years.
David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands, stated that the move is designed to position the company for sustainable growth and improve its ability to serve customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders. He also expressed hope that the new setup will foster greater collaboration among employees and brands.
Despite the change, Yum will continue to operate its corporate offices and KFC Foundation in Louisville. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear voiced disappointment over the decision, stating that the company’s founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, would likely feel the same. “This company’s name starts with Kentucky,” Beshear remarked. “It has marketed our state’s heritage and culture through its product.”
KFC’s roots in Kentucky stretch back to the 1930s, when Colonel Sanders began selling fried chicken at a service station in Corbin. Today, his image is a recognizable symbol across more than 24,000 KFC locations worldwide.
Since the pandemic, many US companies have relocated their headquarters, with cities like Austin and other parts of Texas benefiting from the state’s favorable business environment, according to a report by real estate services firm CBRE.
More Stories
Trump unveils plan to impose new tariffs on select countries
New York City office demand is back to normal at last
Norway set to become the first country to go fully electric