KFC Headquarters Relocating from Kentucky to Texas
In a bold move, KFC, the fast-food giant formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is uprooting its corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky to Plano, Texas. This decision was announced by Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC.
Approximately 100 corporate employees and numerous remote workers will be required to make the move, with relocation support being provided. The shift is part of Yum Brands’ strategy to establish two main headquarters, with KFC and Pizza Hut being based in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California.
Texas has been a magnet for businesses in recent years, thanks to its lower taxes and business-friendly policies, prompting many companies to make the move.
David Gibbs, the chief executive of Yum Brands, stated, “These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders.” The company is optimistic that this restructuring will enhance collaboration among its employees and brands.
Despite the relocation, Yum Brands will maintain its corporate offices and the KFC Foundation in Louisville. However, this decision has not been received well by the governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, who expressed disappointment and believed the company’s founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, would feel the same way.
KFC has a deep-rooted history in Kentucky, dating back to the 1930s when Colonel Sanders started selling fried chicken at a service station in Corbin. Today, KFC operates over 24,000 restaurants worldwide, with Sanders’ iconic image adorning their storefronts.
As the pandemic continues to reshape the business landscape, many US companies are opting to relocate their headquarters. According to real estate services firm CBRE, cities like Austin in Texas have been particularly attractive due to the state’s favorable business environment. – BBC
