KFC is leaving its long-time home state of Kentucky as part of a major shift announced Tuesday by its parent company. Yum Brands, which owns KFC along with Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, revealed that the U.S. corporate office for KFC will be moved to Plano, Texas. As a result, about 100 employees from KFC’s corporate office will be relocated within the next six months.
The move has drawn a strong reaction from political leaders in Kentucky, with Governor Andy Beshear expressing his disappointment in a statement. “I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too,” Beshear stated. He also pointed out that the company’s name, which starts with “Kentucky,” has long been associated with the state’s heritage and culture in its marketing.
Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, voiced his hope that Yum Brands would reconsider relocating KFC employees from Kentucky. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also shared his disappointment regarding the move of workers to Texas, emphasizing that KFC was founded in Louisville and has long been closely associated with the state of Kentucky.
Yum Brands explained that the relocation of KFC’s corporate office is part of a larger strategy to establish two brand headquarters in the U.S., one in Plano, Texas, and the other in Irvine, California. KFC and Pizza Hut will be headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine. Additionally, Yum stated that 90 U.S.-based employees, who have been working remotely, will be asked to eventually relocate to the campus where their work is conducted.
Despite the move, Yum and the KFC Foundation will maintain corporate offices in Louisville, and both Governor Beshear and Mayor Greenberg expressed appreciation that these jobs will remain in the state’s largest city. Greenberg mentioned he had requested a meeting with Yum’s CEO and expressed optimism about continuing to grow the company’s presence in Louisville, noting that Yum will retain its headquarters and 560 employees there.
Yum Brands stated that employees being relocated will receive support for the transition and relocation. The decision to establish two brand headquarters is aimed at encouraging better collaboration across the company’s various brands and teams.
CEO David Gibbs emphasized that these changes are designed to position Yum for sustainable growth and enhance the company’s ability to serve its customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders.
In addition, Yum announced a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville’s College of Business to fund Yum-sponsored scholarships. The company also confirmed that KFC will maintain its presence in Louisville, with plans to create a unique flagship restaurant.
KFC’s deep connection to Kentucky dates back nearly a century. In 1930, Colonel Sanders began serving travelers at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he perfected his signature blend of herbs and spices, alongside his cooking techniques. Sanders’ image, with his signature goatee, is recognized globally, appearing on KFC restaurant signs and chicken buckets. Today, there are over 24,000 KFC locations across more than 145 countries and territories.