They are relocating their headquarters.
KFC, the popular fast food chain, is relocating its U.S. headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, as announced by its parent company, Yum! Brands. This move will involve around 100 employees from the corporate office, who will need to relocate within the next six months. Additionally, about 90 employees working remotely will be asked to move to Plano within 18 months. Yum! Brands will offer relocation support to the affected employees, although specific details have not been disclosed.
This relocation is part of Yum! Brands’ broader plan to establish two corporate hubs. While KFC and Pizza Hut will operate out of Plano, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain based in Irvine, California. CEO David Gibbs explained that the restructuring is meant to drive sustainable growth and enhance the company’s ability to serve customers and stakeholders. By consolidating employees in one location, the company hopes to improve collaboration and foster a stronger company culture.
Although KFC is moving its headquarters out of Kentucky, it will not entirely sever ties with the state. Yum! Brands will continue to maintain corporate offices and the KFC Foundation in Louisville. Additionally, KFC plans to build a new flagship restaurant in its hometown to honor its historical roots. Yum! Brands also announced a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville’s College of Business to fund scholarships, further acknowledging its strong connection to Kentucky.
KFC’s move to Texas is part of a broader trend of companies relocating to the state, attracted by its lower taxes and business-friendly environment. Texas now hosts the highest number of Fortune 500 company headquarters. In light of KFC’s decision, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed disappointment, emphasizing KFC’s historical ties to the state. Despite the relocation, they noted that some jobs would remain in Louisville and expressed a willingness to work with Yum! Brands to maintain the company’s presence in the city.
