Texas Governor Greg Abbott joked that Kentucky Fried Chicken should consider changing its name to “Texas Fried Chicken,” after KFC announced it would relocate the U.S. Headquarters from Plano in Texas, which is a suburb near Dallas.
The importance of this move
Texas’ low taxes, and its pro-business policy implemented by the Republican-led state government have made it a magnet to major corporations in search of a business friendly environment. Charles Schwab Corporation (formerly Twitter), energy giant Chevron and Elon Musk’s SpaceX and X ventures have all established a presence in the Texas. KFC’s relocation, which is deeply connected to Kentucky’s culinary culture, underscores the trend.
KFC’s Headquarters Move: Details and Key Facts
The Governor Abbott shared the a New York Times Article on X, highlighting KFC’s decision to relocate its headquarters from New York to Texas. The governor made a joke that appeared lighthearted.
Kentucky Fried Chicken has moved to Texas.
Salut, colonel & Company.
Your move is appreciated by many hungry Texans.
What if I asked you to consider the name Texas Fried Chicken?
This is a fantastic brand https://t.co/nYKqi9DayO
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 19, 2025
“Kentucky Fried Chicken has moved to Texas. Hello, Colonel and company. Your move is appreciated by many hungry Texans. Listen to me, would you consider using a brand name such as Texas Fried Chicken (TFC)? “It’s an amazing brand.”
Yum! Brands, parent company of KFC announced their move to Plano in Texas from Louisville. Over the next 6 months, 100 employees are expected to relocate. Another 90 will follow within 18 months. KFC plans to open a flagship restaurant and maintain its corporate office in Louisville despite this relocation.
Texas has experienced a robust economic expansion in the past decade. Realtor.com estimates that Texas could become the United States’ most populous State by 2045. This prediction is based upon current economic and demographic trends. Corporate relocations as well as a vibrant job market are some of the factors that fuel this growth.
The “Texas Fried Chicken” suggestion isn’t entirely new; Louisville Councilman Anthony Piagentini previously voiced a similar sentiment on X, stating, “If KFC doesn’t give a c*** about us I don’t know why we should reciprocate. Make it official. Call it Texas Fried Chicken.”
KFC dates back to Salt Lake City (Utah) in 1952, when Colonel Harland Sanders started franchising his recipe for fried chicken. In Corbin, Kentucky, he first sold his chicken on the side of the highway. In 2024 the company is expected to have more than 30,000 outlets worldwide. This will make it a leading fast-food chain in North America.
Reactions and comments
This strategic decision involves relocating KFC U.S. Corporate Office employees, currently located in Louisville, Kentucky to KFC and Pizza Hut Global Headquarters in Plano Texas. The Yum brand will also ask remote U.S. employees to move to campus, where they work. Brands stated in a release.
David Gibbs, Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs commentedThese changes will allow us to grow sustainably and better serve customers, employees and franchisees.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, in an interview with The Associated Press expressed his dissatisfaction.The founder and myself are both disappointed with this decision. The name of this company begins with Kentucky and the product has been marketed to promote our state’s culture and heritage.
Future Implications
Abbott’s remarks are a sign of confidence in the booming Texan Economy and its appeal to corporates. The remarks could also cause friction among Kentucky politicians who are concerned about the relocation of the headquarters, including those in the Republican Party. This case highlights the broader story of competition in economics between states as well as corporate decisions that impact on local identities and economies.