While Kentucky is in the name, the fast food chain known as KFC is moving to Texas.
According to a press release from their parent company, Yums! Brand informed investors that it would move about 100 employees from its KFC brand headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, where the group’s Pizza Hut chain is headquartered. The move will occur over the next six months, while the relocation of 90 remote positions will take place over the next 18 months.
Here is why Colonel Sanders is moving to the Lone Star state.
Several companies have relocated to Texas in favor of tax-friendly options. In 2021, after voicing criticisms of California’s regulations and taxes, Elon Musk relocated Tesla’s corporate headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Austin.
In the press release, Yum! Brands Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs said this transfer will benefit the brand in the near future.
“These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees and shareholders,” he said. “Ultimately, bringing more of our people together on a consistent basis will maximize our unrivaled culture and talent as a competitive advantage. I’m confident this is another important step in growing our iconic restaurant brands globally.”
Yum! Brands said it and the KFC Foundation would retain corporate offices in Louisville; however, the move still leaves a sting for residents of Kentucky.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg shared his dismay with the move.
“I am disappointed to learn that Yum! Brands will move its KFC employees to Texas — especially since the brand was born here and is synonymous with Kentucky,” Greenberg said.
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., the region’s chamber of commerce, also shared her thoughts.
“KFC is a Greater Louisville homegrown company that has become one of the largest restaurant chains in the world over the last 90 years,” she told the Enquirer. “While GLI is disappointed to see the relocation of some employees from our region, we are optimistic that Yum! will continue its long-standing partnership with our community.
According to Love Food.com, KFC, originally known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders. Sanders started selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. He perfected his unique blend and began franchising his restaurant in 1952. The first KFC franchise opened in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sanders’ iconic image and secret recipe helped KFC become one of the largest fast-food chains globally.
