Plano: KFC, the fast-food chain originally known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is moving its US corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, according to an announcement from its parent company, Yum Brands.
The relocation will impact approximately 100 corporate employees and several remote workers, all of whom will receive relocation support. The move is part of Yum Brands’ broader restructuring plan, which will see KFC and Pizza Hut headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill remain in Irvine, California.
In recent years, Texas has attracted numerous corporate relocations due to its lower taxes and business-friendly policies. Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs stated that the shift is designed to position the company for sustainable growth and enhance collaboration between employees, franchisees, and stakeholders.
Despite the move, Yum Brands will retain its corporate offices and the KFC Foundation in Louisville. However, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized the decision, expressing disappointment and stating that KFC’s deep ties to Kentucky, reflected in its name and marketing, make the move regrettable.
KFC’s origins date back to the 1930s in Corbin, Kentucky, where founder Colonel Harland Sanders first started selling fried chicken at a service station. Today, Sanders’ image is featured in more than 24,000 KFC restaurants across 145 countries.
The decision follows a broader trend of US companies relocating headquarters post-pandemic. A report by real estate firm CBRE highlights that cities like Austin and Plano in Texas have become popular corporate hubs due to the state’s favourable business environment.
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