KFC, one of the world’s most iconic fast-food brands, is making a bold move. After calling Louisville, Kentucky, home for decades, the company is shifting its U.S. corporate headquarters to Plano, Texas. This decision follows a growing trend of major corporations relocating to Texas, drawn by its business-friendly policies, lower taxes, and economic advantages.
Yum! Brands, KFC’s parent company, announced the move. It will affect approximately 100 Louisville corporate employees who must relocate to Plano within the next six months. Additionally, 90 remote employees must move to either Plano or Irvine, California, within the next 18 months.
Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs emphasized that the relocation will improve team collaboration and enable better service to franchisees, employees, customers, and shareholders. However, KFC is not entirely cutting ties with Kentucky. The company plans to maintain a presence in Louisville and invest in local education and business initiatives.
In this blog post, we will explore why is KFC relocating to Texas and how the company maintains its connection to Kentucky despite this significant transition.
Why is KFC Relocating to Texas?
The KFC headquarters move is part of a larger business strategy that aligns with broader corporate relocation trends. Texas has become a hotbed for businesses seeking a more favorable economic environment. With no state income tax and lower operational costs, Texas has successfully attracted several Fortune 500 companies.
For KFC, moving to Plano offers strategic advantages. The move brings KFC closer to Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, two other Yum! Brands-owned companies headquartered in Texas and California, fostering better collaboration. Texas has earned a reputation as a corporate-friendly state with policies that support business growth and innovation. With a rapidly expanding talent pool in Texas, KFC can attract top-tier professionals in marketing, operations, and corporate management. The KFC Texas relocation is not just about logistics—it’s a calculated business decision that aligns with Yum! Brands’ long-term strategy.
What are the Impacts on Employees and Franchisees
This fast-food giant KFC move will significantly affect its employees, though it will essentially leave franchise operations unchanged. Around 100 Louisville-based corporate employees must move to Plano within six months. About 90 remote employees will be asked to relocate to Plano or Irvine, California, within 18 months.
The relocation only affects corporate offices—individual KFC restaurants will continue operating as usual. Yum! Brands are expected to assist those making the move, though specific details have not been fully disclosed. At the same time, the change is significant, Yum! Brands have clarified that franchise owners and daily restaurant operations will remain unaffected.
KFC’s Continued Presence in Kentucky
Despite moving its headquarters, KFC is not abandoning Kentucky altogether. The brand acknowledges its deep-rooted history in the state where Colonel Harland Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken. To maintain its Kentucky ties, Yum! Brands announced several initiatives, including a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville’s College of Business to support students nationwide.
A new flagship KFC restaurant in Louisville will be the first of its kind, designed to showcase the brand’s innovation and legacy. These investments demonstrate that while KFC is shifting its corporate hub, it remains committed to Kentucky’s business and educational landscape.
A Growing Trend of Corporate Relocations
KFC is not alone in choosing Texas as a corporate destination. The state has become a magnet for major brands looking to optimize their business operations. Other notable companies that have made similar moves include SpaceX, which moved its incorporation from Delaware to Texas in 2023. Meta (Facebook) shifted key content oversight teams from California to Texas in 2024. Oracle relocated its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Austin, Texas, citing better business conditions. Texas has solidified its reputation as a prime location for corporate expansion, and KFC’s relocation only reinforces that trend.
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