KFC, the global fast-food giant known for its fried chicken, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. This move is part of a broader restructuring by Yum Brands, KFC’s parent company, aimed at fostering growth and collaboration among its key brands.
Yum Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger & Grill, announced that KFC and Pizza Hut will be headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California. Approximately 100 corporate employees and dozens of remote workers will be required to relocate, with Yum Brands offering relocation support to facilitate the transition.
The decision reflects a growing trend of corporations moving to Texas, drawn by the state’s lower taxes, business-friendly environment, and strategic positioning for long-term expansion. According to a recent CBRE report, Texas has become a top destination for corporate relocations, with cities like Austin and Plano offering favorable conditions for business growth.
“These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders,” said David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands, in the company’s statement. The restructuring is expected to enhance collaboration among its workforce and align KFC more closely with Pizza Hut, both of which have substantial global footprints.
Despite the relocation, Yum Brands has confirmed that it will maintain corporate offices in Louisville, along with the KFC Foundation, which focuses on community initiatives. However, the move has sparked criticism, particularly from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who expressed disappointment over the decision. “I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too,” Beshear told the Associated Press. “This company’s name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state’s heritage and culture in the sale of its product.”
KFC’s historical roots in Kentucky trace back to the 1930s when Colonel Harland Sanders began selling fried chicken at a service station in Corbin. Over the decades, the brand has expanded to more than 24,000 locations in over 145 countries, with Sanders’ iconic image adorning storefronts worldwide.
This move follows a broader post-pandemic trend of corporate headquarters relocations across the U.S. Many companies have left traditional business hubs in search of lower costs and better operational efficiencies. Whether this transition will impact KFC’s brand identity remains to be seen, but for now, the fried chicken empire is setting up shop in Texas, a state increasingly becoming a powerhouse for major corporate players.
