Kentucky Fried Chicken is set to leave its historic roots as its parent company announced a relocation of the chain’s US corporate headquarters to Texas. The shift, revealed on Tuesday, marks a significant transition for KFC, a brand established by Colonel Harland Sanders and his iconic recipe of 11 herbs and spices.

The new headquarters will be located in Plano, Texas, with around 100 KFC corporate employees expected to make the move within the next six months, as stated by Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.

This decision to shift the corporate base from Louisville has prompted swift reactions from Kentucky’s political leaders.

“I am disheartened by this choice and believe the company’s founder would share my sentiments,” said Governor Andy Beshear in a statement. “The name of this company highlights Kentucky and has always celebrated our state’s heritage and culture through its offerings.”

Governor Beshear, a Democrat, expressed hope that Yum might reconsider the decision to move KFC personnel out of Kentucky. Similarly, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg voiced his disappointment, emphasizing that the brand has deep-seated ties to Kentucky and originated in the state.

Yum Brands indicated that this relocation is part of a larger strategy, planning to establish two primary headquarters in the US, one in Plano and another in Irvine, California. KFC and Pizza Hut will operate from Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine.

Additionally, Yum announced that approximately 90 employees who have been working remotely will eventually be required to move to their designated workplace campuses.

The company confirmed that both Yum and the KFC Foundation would maintain offices in Louisville, a decision that Governor Beshear and Mayor Greenberg appreciated, ensuring that jobs will remain in Kentucky’s largest city.

“I have reached out to the Yum CEO to discuss this matter further, and I am pleased that 560 employees will stay in Louisville,” Mayor Greenberg said in his statement. “I am dedicated to collaborating with Yum’s leadership to enhance its presence in our city.”

Those affected by the corporate move will receive support for relocation and transition, according to the company’s plans.

Yum outlined that establishing two headquarters aims to boost collaboration across its brands and workforce.

“These adjustments prepare us for sustainable growth and will enable us to better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders,” declared Yum CEO David Gibbs in a press announcement.

Further, Yum announced a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville’s College of Business to fund Yum-sponsored scholarships. The company also ensured that KFC would maintain a strong presence in Louisville, with future plans for a unique flagship restaurant.

KFC’s history in Kentucky spans nearly a century. Colonel Sanders began serving travelers at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, in 1930, where he spent the next nine years refining his beloved recipe and cooking techniques, as highlighted on KFC’s official website.

Today, KFC boasts over 24,000 locations across more than 145 countries and territories globally. The iconic image of the goateed Colonel Sanders is recognized worldwide, branding restaurant signs and chicken buckets alike.