Starbird Welcomes Maria Rivera as New CEO
In a landmark decision, Starbird, the innovative leader in the super-premium fast food segment, has appointed Maria Rivera as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment comes as the company positions itself for expansive growth and increased brand visibility across the nation.
Founded in 2016, Starbird has captured the attention of consumers with its unique approach to fast food, focusing on high-quality ingredients and exceptional customer experience. Under the guidance of its founder, Aaron Noveshen, who will transition to Chairman of the Board, Starbird has successfully established itself in the competitive food industry. Rivera's wealth of experience in the restaurant sector, combined with her record of driving brand evolution, makes her an ideal fit to lead the company into its next chapter.
Aaron Noveshen remarked, “Maria is a transformative leader with a remarkable track record of building brands with heart.” He expressed excitement about collaborating with Rivera to unlock new growth opportunities for the brand. Rivera joins Starbird with over 20 years of extensive experience, having held leadership roles in renowned companies such as Krispy Kreme, Darden Restaurants, and The Walt Disney Company. Most recently, she served as CEO of Smalls Sliders, driving franchise growth and brand development.
Rivera expressed her enthusiasm about taking on this new role, stating, “Starbird represents everything I believe the future of fast food can be.” She emphasized a commitment to culinary innovation, operational excellence, and creating an engaging customer experience. Her vision for Starbird focuses on scaling the brand with intentionality while maintaining a commitment to quality and community engagement.
The appointment of Rivera comes on the heels of an impressive year for Starbird, which reported double-digit same-store sales growth and achieved a median unit sales volume of $4.3 million. With over 30 franchised locations currently in development, the brand is poised for significant expansion. Rivera plans to invest in attracting top-tier talent across various departments, including operations, finance, and culinary innovation, further enhancing Starbird’s position in the market.
As part of the strategic plan, Starbird aims to foster franchise growth and take advantage of its collaborations with seasoned partners. Notably, the Dollarhyde Investment Group, a long-term supporter of the brand, and KarpReilly, a private investment firm specializing in consumer brands, are instrumental in providing the financial backing needed for this ambitious growth strategy.
In summary, Maria Rivera's appointment as CEO signifies a pivotal moment for Starbird, heralding a new phase in its mission to revolutionize fast food. With her leadership, the company is set to deepen its impact on the market through continuous innovation and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction.
For more information about Starbird and opportunities for franchising, please visit
Starbird's official website or contact their franchise division at 866-327-4779.