KFC Moves Their U.S. Headquarters From Kentucky To Texas, & The Internet Has Some Thoughts

Seems like a bit of a betrayal, does it not?

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and as of late, they’ve also been saying everything is more affordable. That’s at least the case if you are a company looking to set up – or relocate – your main business operations to the Lone Star State. Companies and organizations have been flocking to Texas in the last decade thanks to the state’s favorable business climate, the low tax rates (no corporate or income tax), the talent pool, and the business-friendly regulations.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is the latest brand to make the move.

In recent years, companies like Oracle, Apple and Tesla have either up and moved to Texas, or pledged that they will in the near future. It’s becoming the hot new place to grow a business, or let a pre-existing one thrive. The incentives that the southern state can offer have become too alluring for big businesses to pass up. It’s cheaper to run a business in Texas. You pay less taxes if you are located in Texas. The Lone Star state even claims there’s a higher quality of life for businesses that move there.

Not even Kentucky Fried Chicken’s name (and principle) could keep them from moving their U.S. headquarters out of Kentucky and into the welcoming, money-making arms of the state of Texas:

KFC is leaving Kentucky. The fried chicken chain’s U.S. headquarters will move from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, owner Yum Brands said Tuesday. https://t.co/rtDugpjAU7 pic.twitter.com/3p7d23PdBz

— CNBC (@CNBC) February 18, 2025

I can’t help but wonder… how does Colonel Sanders feel about all of this?

For years, KFC has been based out of Louisville, Kentucky. Now, they are picking up their headquarters and placing it back down in Plano, Texas – where other Yum! brands are already established. The only thing that will be staying in Kentucky is KFC’s corporate offices, which will remain in Louisville. Yum! also still has roughly 90 remote workers who will now be required to get back to the proper office.

All in all, does it really make that big of a difference where Kentucky Fried Chicken’s headquarters is? No, not really. But does it seem a little silly (I know, I can’t believe I just used the “s” word) that KFC would move their home base outside of the state that’s included in the name of their brand? Yes, it does.

Obviously, customers won’t be able to tell the difference when they selfishly power through a bucket of KFC chicken… though that hasn’t stopped them from reacting to the news with a flurry of memes, outrage and thoughtful notes:

This is not okay.

— George (@BehizyTweets) February 18, 2025

Texas Fried Chicken pic.twitter.com/SCP5654GcZ

— J.B. Hamilton (@TrendTraderJB) February 18, 2025

Is nothing sacred anymore?

— Michael Blair (@MichaelCoffey1) February 18, 2025

TFC doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

— SYMAEON (@symaeon) February 18, 2025

The way God intended

— Matt_EUC (@matt_euc) February 18, 2025

This just feels wrong

— Lucas (@lucasinmarkets) February 18, 2025

The west has fallen

— coinstacker (@coinstacker24) February 18, 2025

Texas Fried Chicken sounds better actually

— TLC (@taylindsayclark) February 18, 2025

Hey… I don’t know about that…