Starbird, the Northern California-born Chicken brand, is undergoing a major expansion into the Texas market. The Bay Area booming chain is bringing its super-premium fast-casual eateries to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio beginning in 2027.
The Lone Star State debut is part of a 36-unit franchise agreement with Mac Haik Restaurant Group.
What Now Houston briefly spoke with Mac Haik Restaurant Group COO Dan Anfinson, who confirmed the great news but was unable to share any further details by the time of this publication.
“We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth,” Anfinson said in a press release about the expansion.
“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.”
Starbird Chicken was founded in Sunnyvale, California, by Aaron Noveshen in 2016. The goal was to establish a “super-premium” fast-food, gluten-friendly fried chicken chain. By 2024, the brand had grown from 12 to 17 Starbird Chicken locations throughout California.
What Now Houston also reached out to Noveshen to gather more details about the exciting Texas expansion, but did not hear back by the time of this publication.
“Our Crispy Chicken is never treated with antibiotics, always fresh (never frozen) and always individually hand-breaded in our secret blend of gluten-free flour and spices,” the Starbird Chicken website reads.
The brand recently entered the Colorado market, with plans to open 15 locations in the region. Now, the brand is forging forward with one of its biggest expansion deals yet.
“This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the clarity of our long-term vision,” Greg Levin, CEO of Starbird, said in the 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.”
The Starbird menu includes salads, tenders, sandwiches, nuggets, and wings, as well as a variety of sides, sauces, and drinks to accompany the Starbird chicken.
Starbird is expecting to start operating in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio beginning in 2027.
