In brief
Yum Brands aims for sustainable growth through a dual-headquarters strategy as KFC leaves its historical roots.
KFC, known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is leaving its birthplace in Kentucky for a new home in Texas, as announced by its parent company, Yum Brands. The move will shift the corporate office from Louisville to Plano, Texas, while some operations, including the KFC Foundation, will still be retained in Kentucky. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed disappointment in the decision, emphasizing KFC's deep connections to the state, and he believes its founder would feel similarly. The migration of KFC is part of a broader trend, with many companies relocating to Texas, drawn by its appealing tax structure and business-friendly policies.Yum Brands is executing a strategy to establish dual headquarters for its main brands; while KFC and Pizza Hut will be based in Plano, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California. Yum Brands' CEO, David Gibbs, highlighted that these changes are aimed at driving sustainable growth and enhancing service for stakeholders.KFC's rich history in Kentucky began in the 1930s when Colonel Harland Sanders first served fried chicken from a roadside service station in Corbin. The brand has grown to feature Sanders’ image on over 24,000 restaurants worldwide. The pandemic has prompted numerous US companies to evaluate and relocate their headquarters, with Austin and other Texas cities becoming focal points due to their favorable business climates, as noted by a report from CBRE.
