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Starbird Expands Beyond California: New Franchise Agreements

Starbird, recognized as one of the leading super-premium fast-food establishments in the U.S., has made headlines with its latest move to expand its footprint beyond its home state of California. On March 3, 2025, the brand revealed the signing of two significant franchise development agreements that will introduce Starbird's innovative dining experience to Salt Lake City, Utah, and Chicago, Illinois. This strategic expansion is a testament to Starbird's commitment to bringing high-quality, chef-driven fast-food options to new markets across the nation.

New Locations Announced

The agreements plan for a total of ten new Starbird locations—five in Salt Lake City and five in the greater Chicago area. These cities were carefully selected, given their burgeoning food scenes and an increasing demand for modern culinary experiences. Both markets display a keen interest in premium dining alternatives, making them ideal for Starbird's fresh and innovative approach to fast food.

Looking ahead, the first Starbird locations are expected to open by late 2025 and early 2026, with anticipation among local food enthusiasts.

Visionary Leadership

Aaron Noveshen, the enthusiastic founder and CEO of Starbird, expressed excitement about the new franchise partnerships. In a statement, he remarked, "These franchise agreements mark another significant leap in Starbird's strategic growth. We eagerly look forward to collaborating with passionate operators who prioritize exceptional food quality and operational excellence." According to Noveshen, these franchisees possess invaluable community ties and extensive restaurant experience, which positions them well for success in their respective markets.

Robust Business Model

Starbird's business model is a strong selling point for potential franchisees. The brand is recognized for its impressive unit economics and innovative menu offerings, which have established it as a frontrunner in the premium chicken segment of the fast-food industry. The recent agreements are also a reflection of the increasing consumer appetite for high-quality chicken dining options. Currently boasting an impressive average unit volume (AUV) of $4.1 million, Starbird differentiates itself through a menu that features fresh, never-frozen, and antibiotic-free chicken, hand-breaded in a unique blend of gluten-free flours and spices, and cooked in rice bran oil.

Starbird's menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, offering everything from its signature crispy chicken to house-made dipping sauces and a variety of healthy options like salads, wraps, and breakfast items.

Franchise Opportunities Available

As Starbird actively seeks to expand into additional key markets across the U.S., the brand is looking for qualified, seasoned multi-unit operators interested in committing to an Area Development agreement consisting of a minimum of five locations. Prospective franchisees are expected to have previous restaurant and business expertise, a net worth of at least $3 million, and liquidity of at least $1 million. The investment required for opening a Starbird location ranges from approximately $1,138,074 to $1,588,963, depending on the type of unit.

About Starbird

Since its inception in 2016 by the culinary innovators at The Culinary Edge, Starbird has aimed to redefine fast food. Recognizing a shift in consumer preferences towards better quality chicken offerings, the brand emerged with a vision to create a refined, fast-casual dining experience. Starbird's commitment to culinary excellence, combined with a customer-centric service model powered by technology, continues to set it apart within a competitive marketplace.

Starbird has achieved numerous accolades, including winning Nation's Restaurant News' Chicken Showdown in 2023 and being listed among Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers for eight consecutive years through 2024. This success solidifies Starbird's identity as a leading force in the super-premium fast food industry.

For more information about franchise opportunities, visit Starbird Franchising or contact them at 866-327-4779.

In conclusion, Starbird's expansion into Salt Lake City and Chicago is not just about opening new locations; it's a clear indication of the brand's dynamic growth strategy fueled by a strong consumer demand for quality fast food. The future looks bright for Starbird, and with ambitious expansion plans in action, it is on track to become a household name across the United States.