Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, is leaving its home state of Kentucky as its parent company Yum Brands relocates the chain’s U.S. corporate office to Plano, Texas. About 100 KFC employees will be relocated over the next six months.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed disappointment with the decision, citing the brand’s strong ties to his state and its marketing of Kentuckian heritage. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also condemned the move, stating that KFC is “synonymous” with Kentucky.
However, Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs maintained that the relocation is part of a broader plan to create two brand headquarters in the US: Plano, Texas, and Irvine, California. This move aims to foster greater collaboration among brands and employees.
To mitigate the impact on local workers, Yum will retain its corporate offices in Louisville, employing 560 people. The company also plans to provide relocation support for employees being shifted out of Kentucky. KFC will continue to maintain a presence in Louisville, with plans for a flagship restaurant.
The brand’s ties to Kentucky date back nearly a century, and the move has sparked controversy among state leaders. Despite this, Yum Brands aims to drive sustainable growth and better serve customers through its restructured operations.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-fried-chicken-louisville-67979f21e4261f10c7ef07bd8f80bb26