Some brands wear their geography like a nametag. KFC — short for Kentucky Fried Chicken — is practically a billboard for a place, conjuring Southern porches, secret spice blends and a folksy Americana that’s baked into its DNA.In-N-Out has no state in its name, but after more than 70 years of slinging burgers in California, it’s become inseparable from that state’s identity: drive-thru palms, sun-dappled paper trays and the slightly smug glow of regional pride.
So what does it mean when brands like these — companies with deep roots and cultural weight — start pulling up stakes and heading for redder pastures?
Lately, a number of major food and restaurant brands have been relocating or expanding their headquarters to conservative-leaning states like Texas and Tennessee. Yum! Brands — the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell — recently opened a second HQ in Plano. In-N-Out, long a symbol of California cool, is building an East Coast territory out of Tennessee…