Mac Haik Restaurant Group to develop 36 locations as Starbird marks 10-year milestone
San Francisco, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Starbird, the Bay Area-based super-premium fast-casual brand, is launching its first Texas locations through a 36-unit franchise agreement with Mac Haik Restaurant Group. The partnership will bring its Positively Delicious Chicken® to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio beginning in 2027, marking a pivotal milestone in the brand’s broader national expansion strategy.
The agreement represents the largest development deal in Starbird’s history and a significant step in the brand’s long-term growth strategy as it enters its second decade. Purpose-built to scale with intention, Starbird has focused on pairing culinary craft and hospitality with strong operating systems and a consistent, guest-forward experience. As it expands within the Lone Star State, the brand will continue to identify prospective franchise partners to introduce its signature crispy chicken to additional priority markets, including Dallas/Fort Worth.
“This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the clarity of our long-term vision,” said Greg Levin, CEO of Starbird, who was recently appointed to lead the brand into its next phase of growth. “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.”
A division of Houston-based Mac Haik Enterprises, Mac Haik Restaurant Group was selected for its operational rigor, cultural alignment and deep understanding of Texas markets. The group oversees a growing portfolio of original and franchised concepts across the Lone Star State. With proven multi-unit experience, the group is positioned to thoughtfully expand brands across the state.
“We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth,” said Dan Anfinson, Chief Operating Officer of Mac Haik Restaurant Group. “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.”
The Texas expansion positions Starbird for growth in one of the country’s most competitive restaurant landscapes while reinforcing the brand’s appeal to prominent franchise partners and investors. As the company continues to expand beyond its California roots, including its recent debut in Colorado, Starbird remains focused on intentional development, local community engagement, and long-term brand equity in every market it enters.
To learn more about the brand and/or franchising with Starbird, please visit StarbirdChicken.com and StarbirdFranchising.com, email [email protected] or contact 866-327-4779.
About Starbird
Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Starbird is a super-premium fast food brand serving Positively Delicious Chicken® through a modern, thoughtfully designed dining experience that blends hospitality, culinary craft and a smart use of technology. The brand’s menu features signature crispy chicken across salads, tenders, sandwiches, wings, and nuggets – made with bold flavors, high-quality ingredients and a focus on consistency and execution.
Starbird was founded by restaurant entrepreneur Aaron Noveshen through his firm, The Culinary Edge, with a vision to bring higher-quality food and thoughtful hospitality to quick-service dining. Built upon pillars of culinary innovation, a frictionless service model and operational excellence, Starbird has established a differentiated position within the $34 billion U.S. chicken category. Today, the brand operates 19 locations and continues to expand into new markets.
Starbird’s fresh, chef-driven approach has earned widespread industry recognition, including being named Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown winner in 2023, appearing on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers for nine consecutive years (ranking #7 in 2025), and landing on Restaurant Business/Technomic’s Future 50 list. Starbird has also been featured in QSR’s Best Brands to Work For in 2025.
For more information, go to StarbirdChicken.com, or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Mac Haik Restaurant Group
Mac Haik Restaurant Group (MHRG) is a division of Mac Haik Enterprises (MHE) LTD, a diversified holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas. MHRG oversees a growing portfolio of original and franchised concepts, including Kirkwood – a modern clubhouse-style restaurant opening in Houston’s Energy Corridor – and Maggie’s Coffee. MHRG is also the largest franchisee of First Watch Daytime Café Restaurants and was named Franchisee of the Year in 2024. MHE’s broader holdings include Mac Haik Outdoor Media, Mac Haik Hospitality, and Mac Haik Automotive Group, which operates 17 dealerships across the South. Learn more at MacHaik-Enterprises.com.
Contact:
Courtney Sybesma
Champion
[email protected]
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