KFC, originally known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is making headlines with its decision to move its corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. This shift, announced by Yum! Brands, affects around 100 employees who will be relocating over 800 miles south-west. They will receive support during their transition.
In addition to those relocating, about 90 remote workers will also be encouraged to move to Texas or other Yum! Brands offices in the next 18 months. This news has disappointed many in Kentucky, including Governor Andy Beshear, who expressed sadness over the loss, stating the company’s name and legacy are deeply tied to Kentucky. Louisville’s mayor, Craig Greenberg, echoed these sentiments, reminding everyone that KFC is a brand born from Kentucky’s rich culture.
Yum! Brands explained that this decision aims to enhance collaboration among its various brands, which include Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill, both located in California. CEO David Gibbs shared that these changes would foster sustainable growth and improve service for customers and partners.
Once the move is finalized, Yum! Brands will have headquarters in both Texas and California. Although KFC will be leaving its roots, Yum! Brands has committed to keeping corporate offices in Louisville, ensuring some presence remains in the state.
This move is part of a trend where several companies are relocating to Texas for its favorable business environment, including lower corporate taxes. Notably, Elon Musk moved Tesla’s headquarters to Austin in 2021 and recently shifted SpaceX’s incorporation from Delaware to Texas.
KFC’s journey began in the 1930s when “Colonel” Harland Sanders sold his famous fried chicken from a roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky. In 1952, he opened the first franchise in Salt Lake City, paving the way for KFC’s global expansion. Today, KFC operates over 30,000 locations across 145 countries and territories. As news of the move spread, some fans humorously suggested renaming the brand to Texas Fried Chicken.
Check out this related article: Zelensky Criticizes Trump for Living in a ‘Disinformation Space’: A CNN Exclusive
Source link