KFC is relocating its U.S. headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, as announced by parent company Yum Brands on February 19, 2025. Approximately 100 KFC employees will need to move within the next six months as part of this transition.
- KFC relocating headquarters to Plano, Texas
- 100 employees required to relocate
- Yum Brands maintaining offices in Louisville
- Texas popular for corporate relocations
- Pandemic influencing headquarters location decisions
- Papa John's previously moved to Atlanta
The decision to shift KFC’s headquarters is part of Yum Brands’ broader plan to operate dual corporate offices in Texas and California. The global teams for KFC and Pizza Hut are already based in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill teams are in Irvine, California. This restructuring is influenced by changing corporate needs post-COVID-19, with many companies opting for locations with favorable business policies, such as Texas.
Yum Brands will also require about 90 remote workers in the U.S. to relocate to the new campus. Despite the move, the company will retain corporate offices in Louisville and plans to construct a new flagship restaurant in the city, ensuring a continued presence in its original home.
Recent Trends show that many companies are reconsidering their headquarters’ locations, often motivated by lower taxes and the evolving landscape of remote work. According to a 2023 report from CBRE, Texas has emerged as a leading destination for corporate relocations due to its business-friendly environment.
This move follows a similar trend in the industry, as seen when Yum’s competitor, Papa John’s, relocated its headquarters from Louisville to Atlanta in 2020. Papa John’s later decided to keep its old headquarters in Louisville for employees who remained there.
In summary, KFC’s move to Texas marks a significant shift in its corporate strategy, reflecting broader trends in the business landscape as companies adapt to new operational realities.
