Starbird Expands into Washington
Starbird, the esteemed fast food chain known for its top-tier chicken offerings, has made a significant stride in its growth trajectory by announcing a franchise development agreement with the Mehta Investment Group. This partnership is set to introduce 17 new locations across Washington state, marking a pivotal moment in Starbird's expansion outside of California.
Details of the Expansion
The franchise agreement will see 15 restaurants open in the Seattle area and two in Spokane, with the ambitious goal of opening the first establishments in 2025. This development follows Starbird’s prior agreement with Whiplash Holdings, which aims to establish seven locations in Denver, signaling a robust national growth strategy.
Vin Mehta, principal of the Mehta Investment Group, along with his son Rohit, are leading the charge. Their family-run operation boasts a successful background across various industries and aims to leverage their business acumen to build Starbird’s brand presence in the Pacific Northwest effectively. Vin will oversee the strategic aspects of the collaboration, while Rohit will handle daily operations, ensuring that the brand resonates within the local community.
Vin expressed enthusiasm for this venture, stating, “Starbird stood out due to its premium offerings and dedication to redefining fast food. We are eager to present Starbird to the people of Washington and share its delightful menu and exceptional customer experience.” This perspective illustrates that the Mehta family views this opportunity not merely as a business endeavor but as a chance to become part of a transformative brand in the fast food sector.
Starbird’s Unique Offerings
Starbird is well-regarded for its chef-driven menu featuring feel-good crispy chicken. The establishments promise NAE (no antibiotics ever), fresh, and never frozen chicken that is hand-breaded using a special gluten-free flour blend, complemented by nine house-made dipping sauces. This premium approach has resulted in an impressive Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $4.1 million, showcasing the concept's success and its ability to attract discerning consumers.
Aaron Noveshen, Starbird’s founder and CEO, highlighted the increasing demand for high-quality, chef-driven fast food that appeals to modern tastes. “Vin and Rohit Mehta bring an exceptional combination of operational expertise and a passion for community involvement. Their commitment will undoubtedly establish Starbird as a cherished brand in Washington,” he noted, further emphasizing the partnership’s potential to elevate Starbird’s standards in a competitive market.
Franchising Opportunities
With an ongoing search for experienced multi-unit operators, Starbird is actively looking to expand into additional key U.S. markets including California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. The company seeks operators ready to commit to developing five stores over the next three years, requiring candidates to have a minimum net worth of $3 million and at least $1 million in liquid capital. The investment for opening a Starbird franchise ranges from $1,138,074 to $1,588,963, depending on the type of unit.
Furthermore, Starbird’s expansion strategy includes advancing franchise deals in other significant cities such as Salt Lake City, Phoenix, San Diego, and Chicago, thereby enhancing the accessibility of its beloved offerings.
As Starbird continues its journey of disruption within the fast food landscape, it remains focused on delivering a unique dining experience rooted in quality, innovation, and community engagement. For further details about franchising opportunities with Starbird, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website at
Starbird Franchising or reach out via email or phone for more information.
About Starbird
Founded in 2016 by culinary visionaries at The Culinary Edge, Starbird is committed to reshaping the future of fast food. It aims to meet the evolving tastes of American consumers through culinary innovation and operational excellence in a rapidly growing $34 Billion chicken market. The brand has been recognized by significant media outlets, further solidifying its position as a leading force in the super-premium fast food category.
Starbird's ascension in the industry culminated in accolades such as winning Nation's Restaurant News' Chicken Showdown and being featured in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers.
To learn more about this innovative brand and its offerings, visit
Starbird Chicken.