KFC Moves to Texas

KFC is Leaving Kentucky

Signage outside a Yum Brands Inc. KFC restaurant in Shelbyville, Kentucky, on Jan. 29, 2021.

Luke Sharrett | Bloomberg | Getty Images

KFC is leaving Kentucky. The fried chicken chain’s U.S. headquarters will move from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, owner Yum Brands said Tuesday.

About 100 KFC U.S. employees will be required to relocate over the next six months.

The Bigger Picture

The relocation is part of Yum’s broader plan to have two corporate headquarters: one in Plano, and the other in Irvine, California. KFC and Pizza Hut’s global teams are already based in Plano, while Taco Bell and the Habit Burger & Grill’s teams are located in Irvine.

What’s Happening to the Kentucky Office?

Yum isn’t entirely abandoning Kentucky. The company and the KFC Foundation plan to maintain corporate offices in Louisville. Plus, KFC still plans to build a new flagship restaurant in its former hometown.

Why the Move?

The Covid-19 pandemic has led many employers to rethink the location of their corporate headquarters, often spurred by lower taxes and changes to office space needs due to the hybrid or remote workforce. With its business-friendly policies, Texas has been the most popular relocation choice, according to a 2023 report from CBRE.

A Familiar Story

In 2020, Yum rival Papa Johns moved its headquarters from Louisville to Atlanta. It later canceled plans to sell its old headquarters, instead opting to hold on to the building for the corporate workers who stayed in Louisville.

Conclusion

Yum’s decision to move its KFC headquarters from Kentucky to Texas is part of a broader trend of companies rethinking their headquarters’ locations in response to the pandemic. While some employees will be required to relocate, the company is maintaining a presence in Louisville and building a new flagship restaurant in its former hometown.

FAQs

Q: How many KFC U.S. employees will be required to relocate?
A: About 100 employees will be required to relocate over the next six months.

Q: Where are Yum’s two corporate headquarters located?
A: One in Plano, Texas, and the other in Irvine, California.

Q: Will Yum maintain a presence in Louisville, Kentucky?
A: Yes, the company and the KFC Foundation plan to maintain corporate offices in Louisville, and KFC still plans to build a new flagship restaurant in its former hometown.