KFC, the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken, is leaving Kentucky and moving its U.S. headquarters to Plano, Texas. The move will place KFC alongside Pizza Hut Global headquarters, also in Plano, about 20 miles north of Dallas.
Why Texas?
Texas is booming. With no corporate or personal income taxes, a skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment, the state has become the fastest-growing in the U.S. KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands, already has a strong Texas presence, making the move smoother.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s press secretary Andrew Mahaleris said:
“Texas leads as the nation’s jobs leader, adding more jobs than any other state in 2024. KFC joining Texas is no surprise.”
Impact on Employees and Housing
- About 100 corporate employees will move in the next six months.
- Another 90 remote positions will relocate over the next 18 months.
- Yum! Brands is helping employees with relocation.
Realtor.com reports Texas is ready for this growth, ranking first in housing permits in 2024, even though it only has 9% of the U.S. population.
Corporate Campus Perks
KFC will join Pizza Hut’s Plano campus, a three-story complex with test kitchens, mock restaurant setups, parking garages, and even on-site child care and outdoor water features. It’s unknown if KFC will add restaurant models like Pizza Hut has.
Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs said:
“Bringing more of our people together will maximize our culture and talent, giving us a competitive advantage.”
What this means for Texas
KFC’s move adds to Texas’ growing status as a business and jobs hub, boosting local employment, housing demand, and the state’s reputation as a corporate-friendly destination.