KFC’s move to Texas ignites a fast food turf war, but it’s not the only chain with an identity crisis. Here’s what it says about American food culture. | HO

Kentucky made KFC famous, but now it’s headed to Texas. So what happens when a state’s most iconic export no longer calls it home?

As KFC prepares its move from Kentucky to Texas, the news isn’t landing well with some locals. (Paul Sakuma/AP)

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways

In a move that’s ruffling more than just feathers, KFC’s parent company, Yum Brands — also the owner of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut — announced it would be relocating KFC’s corporate headquarters from Kentucky to Texas, leaving behind a state that had long claimed the fried chicken chain as its own.

The decision struck a nerve with Kentuckians, including Gov. Andy Beshear, who framed the move as not just a corporate relocation, but a blow to Kentucky’s cultural heritage.

“I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too,” Beshear said in a statement to the Associated Press. “This company’s name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state’s heritage and culture in the sale of its product.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, was thrilled, even joking on X that the company should change its name to “Texas Fried Chicken.”

Political jabs aside, experts say the reaction to KFC’s move signals something deeper. From New Yorkers and Chicagoans battling over pizza supremacy to the never-ending feud over which Southern state really makes the best barbecue, food isn’t just food — it’s a reflection of state pride.

“These [state] rivalries transcend mere food preferences,” Ryan Elam, CEO of LocalEyes, a marketing agency that’s worked with major brands such as Coca-Cola and Whole Foods, told Yahoo News. “They embody historical, social and regional distinctions that residents hold dear. Engaging in these debates allows individuals to express their cultural heritage and fosters a sense of belonging and community.”

So when one of the world’s most recognizable chains suddenly uproots its headquarters, it’s bound to ignite a turf war.

As Elam puts it, “food serves as a profound conduit for emotional connection, memory and identity.” And when it comes to fast food, these brands don’t just sell meals — they play a “pivotal role in both reflecting and shaping regional and national identities.”

When a brand leaves its ‘home’

KFC’s story began in 1930 at a roadside motel in Corbin, Ky., where Harland Sanders, now known as Colonel Sanders, started selling his signature fried chicken to travelers. The first official franchise opened in 1952 near Salt Lake City, but the brand had already become synonymous with Kentucky itself — so much so that when Sanders died in 1980, the state reportedly flew its flags at half-staff in his honor.

In 1991, the company rebranded as KFC, partly to distance itself from the word “fried” as health-conscious eating trends gained traction. Today, the chain has over 30,000 restaurants across 150 countries, but its Kentucky roots have remained central to its identity.

Colonel Sanders holding a bowl of his fried chicken batter in 1974. (John Olson/Getty Images)

KFC isn’t the first brand to complicate the relationship between a restaurant and its supposed home base.

Texas Roadhouse, for instance, boasts a Texas theme but is ironically headquartered in Louisville, Ky., and was founded in Indiana. Dairy Queen, a Texas favorite, actually originated in Illinois, while White Castle, despite being founded in Kansas, has developed a unique history in Ohio, where it’s currently headquartered.

Michael Della Penna, chief strategy officer at InMarket, explained to Yahoo News that fast food brands are deeply woven into people’s memories and emotions. While a chain’s headquarters might move, what truly anchors it to a region is the connection consumers build with it over time.

“Food holds different emotions for everyone, whether it’s reminiscing about car rides home from school with your parents and stopping at a local fast food chain, or remembering your favorite local dish that your grandma used to make and seeing it on the menu,” Penna explained.

Whose turf is it, anyway?

Beshear isn’t the only Kentuckian disappointed by KFC’s departure.

“Kentucky’s right there in the name, and we’re proud of that,” Lexington native Zack Lester told Yahoo News. “It sends a message that the bottom line is far more important than the Kentuckians who got them where they are today.”

Fellow Lexington resident Freddie Hostler II echoed that sentiment, calling KFC “the most identifiable figure worldwide from a national standpoint, and a significant marker for the state of Kentucky.”

For some, KFC’s link to Kentucky isn’t just about branding, but part of their global identity — and the name still carries weight. Eastern Kentucky native Murray Garvin told Yahoo News, “On a recent trip to Africa, locals in Africa identified KFC as soon as I mentioned I’m from Kentucky.”

As KFC embraces its new Texas home, Elam questions whether or not an identity shift is imminent.

“While the move aims to streamline operations and foster collaboration within Yum Brands, it raises questions about the brand’s connection to its origin,” he said, noting that the transition could potentially “dilute the brand’s historical ties to Kentucky, potentially impacting consumer perception and loyalty.”

For lifelong Kentuckian Linda Dawahare, who recalled fond memories of visiting the original restaurant in Corbin as a child, it almost feels like losing a member of the family.

“I’m not happy with it. It’s just not going to be the same,” she told Yahoo News. “KFC is a Kentucky staple, and it should stay in Kentucky.”

Greg Abbott Wants KFC To Become ‘Texas Fried Chicken’

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suggested Kentucky Fried Chicken should change its name to Texas Fried Chicken, after KFC announced it is moving its U.S. headquarters to the Lone Star State.

Newsweek contacted Yum! Brands, KFC’s parent company, for comment on Thursday outside of regular office hours.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer card-full-size ” card-fill-color=”#FFFFFF” card-secondary-color=”#E1E1E1″ gradient-angle=”112.05deg” id=”native_ad_inarticle-1-7fad03a1-cee4-4d96-a5f0-9a40446efdb8″ size=”_2x_1y” part=””>

Techno MagAccess all TV channels anywhere, anytime

Ad

Why It Matters

Multiple major corporations have moved their corporate headquarters to Texas, attracted by the Republican controlled state’s low taxes and business friendly policies. These include investment company Charles Schwab Corporation, energy firm Chevron and Elon Musk companies X, formerly Twitter, and SpaceX. Now KFC has moved there, despite its brand’s ties to Kentucky.

What To Know

On Wednesday Abbott shared a New York Times story on X about KFC’s announcement that it would be relocating its headquarters to his state.

In an apparent joke the governor added: “Kentucky Fried Chicken is leaving Kentucky & moving to Texas. Welcome to Texas, Colonel & company. Many hungry Texans appreciate your move.

“Now, and hear me out, any chance you would consider a name like Texas Fried Chicken or TFC? It’s a great brand.”

Yum! Brands revealed KFC would move its corporate headquarters from Louisville in Kentucky to Plano, Texas, on Tuesday.

The shift will mean 100 employees relocating to the new headquarters over the coming six months, with another 90 workers making the move over the next 18 months. However, KFC will keep a corporate office in Louisville and plans to open a new flagship restaurant in the city.

Texas has recorded solid economic growth over the past decade, with an analysis by Realtor.com predicting it will become the most populous state in the Union by 2045.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaking on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (left) and the sun shining on the logo of Colonel Sanders, founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food restaurant KFC, on March 18, 2022 in Bath, England (right). Alex Wong/Matt Cardy/GETTY© Alex Wong/Matt Cardy/GETTY

The suggestion that KFC change its name to Texas Fried Chicken was earlier made by Louisville Councilman Anthony Piagentini. In a post on X he said: “If KFC doesn’t give a c*** about us I don’t know why we should reciprocate. Call it Texas Fried Chicken and make it official.”

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer card-full-size ” card-fill-color=”#FFFFFF” card-secondary-color=”#E1E1E1″ gradient-angle=”112.05deg” id=”native_ad_inarticle-2-3790cc97-fcd4-4093-930d-6d93a84d1b98″ size=”_2x_1y” part=””>

planetcapture.ioAre you ready to conquer a planet?

Ad

KFC opened its first restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952. It was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, who initially sold his fried chicken by the side of the road. In 2024 the company claimed its number of restaurants across the globe had passed 30,000.

What People Are Saying

In a statement sent to Newsweek, dated February 18, Yum! Brands said: “Yum! Brands announced today its plans to designate two brand headquarters in the U.S., located in Plano, Texas, and Irvine, California, to foster greater collaboration among brands and employees.

“This strategic decision will involve relocating KFC U.S. corporate office employees currently in Louisville, Kentucky, to the KFC and Pizza Hut Global headquarters in Plano, Texas. In addition, U.S.-based remote employees will be asked to relocate to the campus where their work happens.”

David Gibbs, Yum! Brands’ chief executive officer, commented: “These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees and shareholders.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer card-full-size ” card-fill-color=”#FFFFFF” card-secondary-color=”#E1E1E1″ gradient-angle=”112.05deg” id=”native_ad_inarticle-3-6b716f66-2c04-4ddf-9155-3ce8973d1f1d” size=”_2x_1y” part=””>

Heroes of HistoryGame mới hay nhất của năm!

Ad

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear condemned KFC’s move to Texas during an interview with The Associated Press, saying: “I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company’s founder would be, too. This company’s name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state’s heritage and culture in the sale of its product.”

What Happens Next

Abbott’s comments reflect his confidence as the Texan economy continues to boom and attract companies from other states. However they risk offending politicians in Kentucky, another Republican controlled state, who have spoken out against KFC’s move.