KFC Makes Texas Its New Home, Leaving Kentucky Behind

Tue Feb 03 2026 03:21:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

KFC relocates headquarters from Kentucky to Texas in a significant shift for the fast-food giant.

In a strategic move reflecting the changing corporate landscape, KFC, the iconic fast-food brand originally known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, has announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. The decision by Yum Brands, KFC's parent company, is part of a broader strategy to establish dual headquarters for its major brands, aiming for sustainable growth and improved service delivery to stakeholders.

Yum Brands confirmed that while the main corporate offices will move to Texas, certain operations, such as the KFC Foundation, will remain in Kentucky. This shift underscores a trend of corporations migrating south, drawn by Texas's lower taxes and favorable business conditions. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed disappointment over the move, emphasizing the significance of KFC's roots in the state, where Colonel Harland Sanders first introduced his fried chicken recipe in the 1930s. With over 24,000 locations worldwide, KFC's legacy is intertwined with Kentucky's cultural heritage, posing questions about the future balance of tradition and business strategy as the company embraces its new chapter in Texas.

As this relocation joins a wider trend of corporate migrations, industry analysts are watching to see how the move impacts KFC's operations and public perception in both states.