KFC’s bold move: Shifting headquarters from Kentucky to Texas

KFC, the fast-food chain formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Kentucky to Texas, as announced by its owner.

Yum Brands revealed that it will move its office from Louisville to Plano, although KFC will retain some operations in Kentucky, such as its KFC Foundation.

However, Kentucky's governor, Andy Beshear, expressed disappointment, stating: "I am disheartened by this decision, and I believe the company's founder would have felt the same."

In recent years, numerous companies have chosen to move to Texas, drawn by the state's lower taxes and business-friendly environment.

This move by Yum Brands is part of a strategy to establish two headquarters for its main brands. KFC and Pizza Hut will be based in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California.

Yum Brands' CEO, David Gibbs, commented, "These changes will position us for sustainable growth and help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders."

Beshear, however, responded: "The company's name starts with Kentucky, and it has long promoted our state's heritage and culture in the sale of its products."

KFC's history in Kentucky dates back to the 1930s when its founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, began selling fried chicken at a service station in Corbin.

Today, Colonel Sanders' face is prominently displayed on the storefronts of over 24,000 KFC locations across more than 145 countries and territories worldwide.

Since the pandemic, many U.S. companies have opted to relocate their headquarters.

According to a report from real estate firm CBRE, Austin and other cities in Texas have seen particular success due to the state's business-friendly atmosphere.