KFC Leaving Kentucky for Corporate Headquarters in Texas

KFC is leaving Kentucky. At least, its headquarters is. But the iconic fast-food restaurant’s name will remain the same.

Yum! Brands, which owns the fried chicken chain, said Tuesday that it is designating two corporate headquarters for its brands: one in Plano, Texas, and another in Irvine, California. The move will send 100 KFC U.S. corporate employees from Kentucky to Texas over the next six months. It also means that 90 people in remote jobs will have to move to Texas in the next 18 months. Employees will receive relocation and transition support.

In a company press release, Yum! Brands announced these plans to “foster greater collaboration among brands and employees.” The relocation puts employees in the KFC and Pizza Hut Global headquarters in Texas, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill remain in their California headquarters. Yum! Brands and the KFC Foundation will maintain corporate offices in Louisville.

“These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders,” said David Gibbs, Yum! Brands’ CEO. “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.” 

However, just because the company is moving out of its state of origin doesn’t mean KFC doesn’t plan to still have roots there.

Yum! will provide a $1 million endowment to the College of Business at the University of Louisville to fund Yum!-sponsored scholarships for students throughout Kentucky and further support the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. KFC will remain a brand presence in Louisville with the aim of building a “first-of-its-kind flagship restaurant.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear ‘Disappointed’ by KFC’s Decision

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) are moving their U.S. headquarters from Kentucky to Texas. pic.twitter.com/UxTJPyddja

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 19, 2025

In a statement provided to the Associated Press, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said, “I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too. This company’s name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state’s heritage and culture in the sale of its product.”

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also voiced his disappointment. He said the brand “was born here and is synonymous with Kentucky.”

“I’ve asked to meet with the Yum CEO soon and am heartened Yum will retain its corporate headquarters and 560 employees here,” Greenberg added. “I will work tirelessly with Yum’s leadership to continue growing its presence in Louisville.”