KFC, one of the world’s most famous fast-food chains, is shifting its US corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. Its parent company, Yum Brands, announced that around 100 corporate employees and many remote workers will be relocating with support from the company.
This decision aligns with Yum Brands’ strategy of having two main headquarters. KFC and Pizza Hut will now operate from Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California.
Texas has become a hotspot for corporate relocations due to its lower taxes and business-friendly policies. Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs stated that the move will drive sustainable growth and improve collaboration among employees, franchisees, and shareholders.
Despite the relocation, Yum Brands will keep its corporate offices and the KFC Foundation in Louisville. However, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has criticized the move, expressing disappointment and suggesting that even KFC’s founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, would not have supported the decision.
KFC’s journey began in the 1930s in Corbin, Kentucky, where Colonel Sanders started selling fried chicken. Today, his face is recognized worldwide across more than 24,000 KFC outlets in over 145 countries.
Relocating headquarters is not uncommon in the US, especially since the pandemic. A report from real estate firm CBRE highlights that Texas cities, including Austin and Plano, have become prime destinations for companies seeking a better business environment.
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