Why KFC Is Moving to Texas
Newsweek2 days
KFC Leaving Kentucky Home for Texas
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Above: A KFC storefront in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Image copyright: Artur Widak/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Facts
Yum Brands on Tuesday announced the relocation of KFC's US corporate headquarters from Louisville, Ky., to Plano, Texas, affecting approximately 100 corporate employees, who will move within six months. An additional 90 remote workers will relocate over the next 18 months.
The strategic reorganization establishes two brand headquarters in the US: Plano, Texas, for KFC and Pizza Hut, and Irvine, Calif., for Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. Yum Brands' stated goal is fostering greater collaboration among brands and employees.
KFC's connection to Kentucky dates back to 1930, when Colonel Harland Sanders began serving his signature fried chicken at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky. The company, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, eventually grew to over 30K restaurants across 150 countries.
The Spin
Republican narrative
No one can blame Yum Brands for making this move considering how burdensome regulations and costs have become in many Democrat-led regions of the US. Yum Brands is just doing what so many other companies have done. This move will position the company for sustainable growth and allow it to better thrive in a competitive environment.
Democratic narrative
Regulations in Democrat-led states are meant to combat climate change and other challenges the country is facing. It's disappointing that Yum Brands is willing to throw away its cultural heritage and links to the community in order to save a few tax dollars. There must be more corporate responsibility in order to ensure a successful future for the US.
