KFC, originally known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is relocating its headquarters from Kentucky to Texas. This move aligns with the presence of its parent company, Yum! Brands, in the state. KFC will join Pizza Hut Global’s headquarters in Plano, approximately 20 miles north of Dallas.
The relocation involves about 100 KFC U.S. corporate employees moving within six months and affects around 90 remote positions over the next 18 months. Employees are encouraged to relocate to the Texas campus, with Yum! Brands offering assistance for the transition.
Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Governor Greg Abbott, commented on the move: “It’s no surprise Colonel Sanders wants to call Texas home. Texas is the eighth-largest economy in the world and the economic engine of the nation, leading as the undisputed jobs leader for the third year in a row, with more jobs added in Texas in 2024 than in any other state.”
Mahaleris also highlighted Texas’s appeal: “Texas remains No. 1 because people and businesses are choosing our state over any other for the unmatched competitive advantages we offer: no corporate or personal income taxes, a predictable regulatory climate, and a young, skilled, diverse workforce, and of course, a thriving poultry industry.”
Realtor.com recently moved its headquarters to Austin from Santa Clara. Hannah Jones from Realtor.com noted that Texas leads in housing permits: “The state is well-poised to absorb additional housing demand. Texas ranked first among U.S. states in terms of housing permits in 2024.”
David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands stated: “Ultimately, bringing more of our people together on a consistent basis will maximize our unrivaled culture and talent as a competitive advantage.”
Pizza Hut has been established in North Texas since 1997 with an expanded campus since 2016. The remodeled corporate headquarters includes various facilities such as test kitchens and childcare.
Texas is poised to become the most populous state after California with nearly 31 million residents by 2024. The state’s labor force reached 15.1 million at the end of 2023.
Jones further explained that Texas offers affordable housing compared to national averages: “Texas boasts a strong economy and plentiful, relatively affordable housing stock.” By December 2024, median home prices were $360,000—below national figures.
Yum! Brands was contacted by Realtor.com for further comments on this development.
