KFC is moving its headquarters from Kentucky, and customers are now speculating the chain should be renamed to mirror its new base of operations.
Alongside McDonald’s, KFC is one of the biggest and most popular fast food chains in the United States. While popular across the country, KFC is especially beloved by those who live in Kentucky, the city it was born in.
Colonel Harland Sanders founded KFC and first sold fried chicken at service stations and roadside motels in Nicholasville and Corbin, Kentucky, throughout the 1930s. The first restaurant to open was in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952, and since then, the fast-food chain has spread worldwide.
KFC departs Kentucky headquarters for new Texas location
Despite its long historical connection to Kentucky, KFC announced that it will be moving its US headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas.
As well as being the first big move in the company’s history, over 100 employees now have to relocate with the headquarters, this move will take place within the next six months.
“I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement.
“This company’s name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state’s heritage and culture in the sale of its product.”
However, the chain and the KFC Foundation will still have corporate offices in Louisville, Kentucky, and the chain plans to open a new flagship store there.
In an interview, Yum Brands Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs said, “These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees, and shareholders.”
“Ultimately, bringing more of our people together on a consistent basis will maximize our unrivaled culture and talent as a competitive advantage. I’m confident this is another important step in growing our iconic restaurant brands globally.”
Customers pitch what KFC should be renamed too
Following the news that KFC will soon be run out of Texas, customers have taken to social media to share their reactions. Above all else, many have questioned whether the chain will now be renamed.
Across X, many users have commented “TFC” in the comments sections of posts, while others are recreating the logo.
“I can’t wait to try TFC,” wrote one user, while another added, “RIP KFC, Hello TFC.”
It has not been confirmed when KFC’s new Louisville, Kentucky, flagship store will open, but it’s expected to open after the big headquarters move.
At the time of writing, KFC has not indicated that it will change its name.