KFC Packs Up: Moving Headquarters from Kentucky to Texas

Tue Feb 03 2026 19:59:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Fast-food titan KFC is relocating its corporate headquarters to Texas, raising eyebrows and some disappointment in its original home state.

KFC's transition marks a significant shift for the iconic brand, symbolizing a broader trend of companies seeking more favorable business environments in Texas.

In a bold move announced by Yum Brands, KFC is leaving its historic Kentucky base behind and settling in Plano, Texas. While some operations will remain in Kentucky, including the KFC Foundation, the decision has sparked disappointment from Kentucky’s governor, Andy Beshear. He expressed his belief that Colonel Harland Sanders, the company’s founder, would also be disappointed.

The relocation aligns with a broader trend of companies moving to Texas, drawn by lower taxes and supportive business policies. Yum Brands aims to establish dual headquarters: KFC and Pizza Hut in Texas, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will stay in California. CEO David Gibbs emphasized that these changes are designed to foster sustainable growth and improve service for customers and franchisees.

KFC's roots in Kentucky trace back to the 1930s, when Sanders introduced his fried chicken at a roadside service station in Corbin. The brand has since grown into a global phenomenon, with more than 24,000 restaurants around the world. The shift raises questions about the future identity of a brand that has long cherished its Kentucky heritage.