LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is set to leave its original birthplace in Kentucky as the company announced on Tuesday that it will be moving its U.S. corporate headquarters to Texas.

The renowned restaurant chain, which was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders and his famous recipe of 11 herbs and spices, will now be based in Plano, Texas. Approximately 100 corporate employees will transition to the new location within the next six months, as stated by Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.

This significant move has quickly drawn reactions from political figures in Kentucky.

“I am disheartened by this decision; I believe the company’s founder would feel the same way,” said Governor Andy Beshear in a press release. “The name KFC itself begins with Kentucky, and the brand has long represented our state’s culture and heritage.”

Governor Beshear, a Democrat, expressed hope that Yum Brands might reconsider the relocation of KFC employees from Kentucky. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also voiced his disappointment regarding the corporate shift, highlighting that KFC “was born here and is an integral part of Kentucky’s identity.”

Yum Brands explained that this move is part of a broader plan to establish two main brand headquarters in the U.S. — one in Plano for KFC and Pizza Hut, and the other in Irvine, California for Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. Additionally, about 90 remote employees will eventually be asked to relocate to the respective campuses associated with their roles.

While the corporate headquarters will move, both Yum and the KFC Foundation will retain their offices in Louisville. The governor and the mayor acknowledged the importance of keeping jobs in Kentucky’s largest city.

“I have requested a meeting with the CEO of Yum soon and am pleased to hear that the company will keep its corporate headquarters and 560 employees in Louisville,” Mayor Greenberg stated. “I will work diligently with Yum’s leadership to continue expanding its footprint in our city.”

The affected employees will receive support for relocation and transition, according to the company. Yum Brands noted that establishing dual headquarters aims to enhance collaboration among its various brands and teams.

“These strategic changes will position us for future growth and enable us to serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders more effectively,” commented Yum CEO David Gibbs in a news announcement.

In addition, Yum Brands has pledged a $1 million endowment to the College of Business at the University of Louisville to fund scholarships, furthering its commitment to the local community. Meanwhile, KFC plans to maintain its presence in Louisville with a vision for a groundbreaking flagship restaurant.

KFC’s legacy in Kentucky dates back nearly a century. In 1930, Colonel Sanders began serving travelers from a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he dedicated the next nine years to refining his signature blend of herbs and spices and mastering the cooking process, as detailed on KFC’s official website.

Today, the beloved figure of Colonel Sanders is widely recognized, appearing on KFC signs and packaging across the globe. Currently, there are over 24,000 KFC restaurants operating in more than 145 countries and territories, as stated on the brand’s website.