Tag Archives: YUM! Brands

KFC Relocates U.S. Headquarters to Texas

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Kentucky Fried Chicken is moving its U.S. headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, in a significant shift for the fast-food chain long linked to its Southern roots. The relocation affects about 100 corporate employees, who will join Yum! Brands’ existing KFC and Pizza Hut teams in Plano over the next six months. An additional 90 remote workers will be asked to transition within the next 18 months.

This decision is part of a broader strategy by Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. The company is implementing a dual-headquarters approach: Plano will serve as the central hub for KFC and Pizza Hut, while Irvine, California, will house Taco Bell and Habit Burger operations. Leadership says the goal is to foster in-person collaboration, improve company culture, and tap into talent pools in key markets.

The relocation aligns with a broader trend of companies consolidating operations in Texas to optimize logistics, reduce costs and take advantage of favorable tax structures, and adapt to evolving workforce expectations.

Despite the relocation, Yum! Brands will retain a corporate presence in Louisville. Plans include a new flagship KFC restaurant and a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville’s College of Business. While the move reflects a shift in operational strategy, the company’s continued investment in the region suggests the brand’s ongoing commitment to its Kentucky origins.

Americans Turning to Fast Foods

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As Americans look to save money, more and more people are going out to eat at fast food restaurants. Three companies are good examples of fast food companies whose stocks have increased as of late.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s (MCD) has been on a tear over the last year, rising from 72.14 to 90.45.  It has had steady growth overall and sees no sign of stopping.  The company, led by Jim Skinner, saw excellent second-quarter earnings. McDonald’s reported a 15% increase in profits. Much of its profits has been through beverages at the McCafe.

Yum!

Although it’s stock stands at 51.51, YUM! Brands (YUM) range this year has been from 41.35 to 57.75, a significant increase and a sign of continued growth.  Whether it’s KFC in eastern Africa or other Yum! brands in China and Japan, Yum! Brands is in it for the long haul, both in the USA and abroad. EVA Momentum created by Bennett Stewart of EVA Dimensions give YUM! an EVA growth rate of 1% placing it in the top 50 percentile of the Russel 3000. This makes YUM! a great long term buy.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD) may not be your choice of eateries, but it’s share is expected to post a report second-quarter profit of 6 cents a share by the time markets closed Thursday.  This is double last year’s earnings of 3 cents a share. Shares are currently holding at 7.79.