KFC, the fast-food chain known globally for its fried chicken, is relocating its corporate headquarters in the United States from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas.
The move, announced by parent company Yum Brands, will require about 100 corporate employees and dozens of remote workers to relocate, with the company offering support for the transition, reports AFP.
The decision is part of Yum Brands’ broader restructuring, which will see two of its key brands, KFC and Pizza Hut, headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California.
Yum Brands said the move aims to enhance collaboration between employees and brands while positioning the company for long-term success.
“These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees and shareholders,” said David Gibbs, the chief executive of Yum Brands, in the company’s statement.
Despite the relocation, Yum Brands has assured that it will maintain corporate offices and the KFC Foundation in Louisville. However, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticised the decision, arguing that the move disregards the company’s historical ties to the state.
“I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too,” Mr Beshear reportedly said in a statement to the Associated Press.
“This company’s name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state’s heritage and culture in the sale of its product.”
KFC’s connection to Kentucky dates back to the 1930s, when Colonel Harland Sanders began selling fried chicken at a service station in Corbin. Today, his image remains central to the brand, which has expanded to over 24,000 restaurants across more than 145 countries and territories.
