KFC is trading in its bluegrass roots and leaving the “Kentucky” in Kentucky Fried Chicken as it packs up its corporate office in Louisville and heads to Plano. Looks like Colonel Sanders is fixin’ to become a cowboy!
Why KFC Is Moving
Strategy-wise, Yum! Brands — the company that owns KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill — established dual corporate headquarters, with one in Plano and the other in Irvine, California. Taco Bell and The Habit Burger & Grill's teams operate out of Irvine, while Pizza Hut’s and now KFC’s global headquarters are in Plano.
“These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees and shareholders,” Yum! Brands Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs said in an official statement. “Ultimately, bringing more of our people together on a consistent basis will maximize our unrivaled culture and talent as a competitive advantage. I’m confident this is another important step in growing our iconic restaurant brands globally.”
Local Profile reached out to Yum! Brands for comment, but did not receive a response prior to publishing. This story will be updated pending response.
U.S.-based remote employees will be required to relocate to the Plano campus where their work is based. Around 100 KFC U.S. corporate roles will transition over the next six months, while 90 remote positions will relocate over the next 18 months. According to Yum! Brands, employees will receive support throughout the relocation and transition process.
Plano: The Fried Chicken Capital Of Texas
KFC isn't the only fried chicken chain based in Plano — it's joined by Raising Cane’s Dallas Restaurant Support Office (DRSO).
In 2024, Raising Cane’s expanded its DRSO in Plano while its main headquarters remained in Baton Rouge. Originally opened in 2009 with 24,000 square feet and 53 jobs, the DRSO now spans 120,000 square feet with about 480 crewmembers.
Other HQ Moves To Plano
Over the past year, Plano has become an increasingly attractive destination for corporate relocations, with several companies choosing to establish their headquarters in the city. Major corporations across various industries have moved their headquarters to Plano, drawn by the city's business-friendly environment, modern infrastructure and access to nearby Dallas.
- Simplilearn: a digital upskilling company, relocated its U.S. headquarters from San Francisco in 2024
- Graze Inc.: a California-based startup testing autonomous and environmentally friendly commercial lawnmowers moved its headquarters and research center in 2024
- Diversified: In October 2024, Diversified, a technology solutions company with over 40 locations worldwide, relocated its global headquarters from New Jersey
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