In a significant corporate move, fast-food titan KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) has made the decision to relocate its headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. This announcement from Yum Brands comes as part of a broader restructuring strategy, although some operations, including the KFC Foundation, will remain in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky expressed disappointment over the departure, reflecting on the historical ties the company has with the state founded by Colonel Harland Sanders back in the 1930s.
KFC Relocates Headquarters from Kentucky to Texas Amid Corporate Restructuring
KFC Relocates Headquarters from Kentucky to Texas Amid Corporate Restructuring
Fast-food powerhouse KFC shifts its corporate base from its hometown in Kentucky to the Lone Star State, igniting reactions from local leadership.
The shift is motivated by Texas' favorable business climate, which has increasingly attracted firms seeking lower taxes and a more accommodating regulatory environment. Yum Brands plans to establish dual headquarters, with KFC and Pizza Hut based in Texas, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will maintain their operations in Irvine, California. Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs emphasized the necessity of this change for sustainable growth to enhance service for customers and stakeholders alike. However, Governor Beshear lamented the loss, noting KFC's branding deeply rooted in Kentucky's identity.
KFC's history is deeply intertwined with Kentucky culture, dating back to its origins in a small service station in Corbin. Today, the brand boasts a global presence with over 24,000 outlets across more than 145 countries, though this latest development raises questions about the future of its connection to the state it was named after. Following the pandemic, many companies have opted for moves to Texas, with cities like Austin emerging as prime targets due to their appealing business ecosystems, according to a recent CBRE report.
KFC's history is deeply intertwined with Kentucky culture, dating back to its origins in a small service station in Corbin. Today, the brand boasts a global presence with over 24,000 outlets across more than 145 countries, though this latest development raises questions about the future of its connection to the state it was named after. Following the pandemic, many companies have opted for moves to Texas, with cities like Austin emerging as prime targets due to their appealing business ecosystems, according to a recent CBRE report.
