Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), a well-known fast-food chain, is the predecessor of KFC, with its parent company Yum Brands announcing on Tuesday, February 18th that KFC will be moving its US headquarters from Kentucky to Texas.
Yum Brands stated that KFC will maintain some operations in Kentucky, including its KFC Foundation, but will be relocating its office from Louisville to Plano.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed disappointment over the decision, saying, “I am disappointed by this decision, and I believe the company’s founder would also be disappointed.”
Beshear added, “The name of this company has its roots in Kentucky, and it has promoted our state’s traditions and culture through selling its products.”
KFC’s history in Kentucky dates back to the 1930s when its founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, started this business legend by selling fried chicken at a gas station in Corbin.
Today, the face of Colonel Sanders can be seen on the storefronts of over 24,000 KFC restaurants in more than 145 countries and regions worldwide.
In recent years, many companies have been attracted to Texas’ low tax rates and business-friendly policies, prompting them to relocate their headquarters to the state.
Yum Brands’ decision is part of its plan to establish two headquarters for its major brands. KFC and Pizza Hut will be located in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will continue to be based in Irvine, California.
Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs stated, “These changes lay the foundation for our continued growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders.”