LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the iconic fast-food chain founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, is relocating its U.S. corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. The move will involve the transfer of approximately 100 KFC corporate employees within the next six months, according to Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.
The decision to move the KFC office from its birthplace in Louisville sparked a swift response from the city’s mayor, Craig Greenberg. In a statement, Greenberg expressed disappointment over the shift, especially given KFC’s deep roots in Kentucky. “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,” he said.
Yum Brands explained that the move is part of a broader strategy to establish two primary brand headquarters in the U.S.
KFC and Pizza Hut will be based in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will continue to operate from Irvine, California. Additionally, Yum plans to relocate about 90 U.S.-based employees who have been working remotely to either the Plano or Irvine campuses, depending on their role.
Despite the relocation, Yum and the KFC Foundation will maintain corporate offices in Louisville. Greenberg also emphasized his commitment to supporting Yum’s presence in the city. “I’ve asked to meet with the Yum CEO soon and am heartened Yum will retain its corporate headquarters and 560 employees here,” he said. “I will work tirelessly with Yum’s leadership to continue growing its presence in Louisville.”
Employees impacted by the move will receive relocation and transition assistance, Yum said.
Yum’s decision to designate two brand headquarters is intended to improve collaboration across its brands and enhance operations. “These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders,” said David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands.
In addition to the office move, Yum announced a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville’s College of Business to fund scholarships. The company also confirmed that KFC will maintain its brand presence in Louisville, with plans to open a unique flagship restaurant.
KFC’s history in Kentucky dates back nearly 100 years. In 1930, Colonel Sanders began serving travelers at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he spent the next nine years perfecting his famous blend of herbs and spices. Today, KFC operates more than 24,000 locations worldwide and remains a global brand, with Sanders’ likeness prominently featured on restaurant signs and chicken buckets around the globe.
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