Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the world-renowned fast-food chain, is relocating its US corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. This significant move, announced by parent company Yum Brands on Tuesday, will transfer about 100 corporate employees over the next six months.

Kentucky leaders react

The decision to move KFC’s corporate office has sparked disappointment among Kentucky political leaders. Governor Andy Beshear criticised the move, highlighting KFC’s deep-rooted connection to the state. “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,” Beshear stated. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg echoed these sentiments, emphasising that the brand “was born here and is synonymous with Kentucky.”

Yum Brands’ strategy

Yum Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, clarified that the move is part of a larger strategy to establish two key brand headquarters in the US. While KFC and Pizza Hut will be headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California. Additionally, 90 remote Yum employees will be asked to relocate to the appropriate campuses for their respective brands.

Despite the relocation, Yum Brands confirmed that it will maintain corporate offices and retain 560 employees in Louisville. Both Governor Beshear and Mayor Greenberg acknowledged this, with Greenberg expressing hope to meet with Yum’s CEO to discuss the future of KFC’s presence in Kentucky.

Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders and famous for its secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, KFC has grown into a global giant with over 24,000 locations in 145 countries. While its corporate headquarters may be shifting, its historical ties to Kentucky remain firmly in place.

(With AP inputs)