This week, Starbird Chicken, “the Bay Area-based super-premium fast-casual brand,” announced that it is preparing to make its debut in Texas—and it’s doing it in an appropriately big way. The fast-casual franchise with “Positively Delicious Chicken®” has signed a 36-unit agreement with Mac Haik Restaurant Group, a massive expansion that will bring Starbird to Austin, Houston, and San Antonio starting next year.
“This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the clarity of our long-term vision,” Greg Levin, the CEO of Starbird recently appointed to lead the brand into its next growth phase, said in a press release. “As we mark our 10th anniversary, this is shaping up to be our biggest year yet in terms of expansion. Texas is a critical market for us moving forward, and partnering with an experienced organization like Mac Haik Restaurant Group allows us to grow thoughtfully while staying true to what makes Starbird special.”
Founded in 2016 in San Francisco, Starbird creates a “thoughtfully designed dining experience that blends hospitality, culinary craft and a smart use of technology,” serving a menu featuring “signature crispy chicken across salads, tenders, sandwiches, wings, and nuggets – made with bold flavors, high-quality ingredients and a focus on consistency and execution.”
Currently featured menu items at Starbird come from its new “Japanese BBQ Lineup,” featuring “Japanese inspired creations [that] bring a sweet & savory combo that is bold yet balanced for an umami-rich, delicious experience.” They include Japanese BBQ Bird sandwich (Crispy chicken, Japanese BBQ sauce, Wasabi Aioli, pickled ginger, sliced cucumbers, shredded green cabbage, sliced green onions, togarashi, soft bun) and Okonomiyaki Fries (Seasoned fries, Japanese BBQ sauce, Wasabi Aioli, pickled ginger, togarashi, furikake, sliced green onions, bonito flakes).
“We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth,” Dan Anfinson, Chief Operating Officer of Mac Haik Restaurant Group, said in the press release. “Starbird delivers a level of culinary quality and operational sophistication that we believe is still underserved in the premium fast-casual chicken category, particularly in Texas. The brand has a clear point of view and the systems to scale responsibly – that combination is rare. We’re excited to introduce it thoughtfully across our markets and build a meaningful presence over time.”
You can keep up with all things Starbird by following @starbirdchicken on Instagram.
