San Francisco — Starbird, one of the nation’s first super-premium fast food concepts, has signed its inaugural franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the greater Denver market. The first Starbird location is expected to open in Denver by mid-2025, with all seven locations set to roll out over the next few years. This partnership marks Starbird’s initial expansion beyond California.
“Expanding beyond California for the first time is a landmark moment for Starbird and a testament to the demand for a new kind of fast food,” says Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird. “Denver’s vibrant and discerning community is the perfect place to introduce our unique brand of chef-crafted crispy chicken. Whiplash Holdings brings unparalleled industry expertise and a deep commitment to community, making them an ideal partner to help us set a new standard in fast food.”
In support of this expansion and ongoing franchise development efforts, Starbird recently welcomed Brian Carmichall to the team as the vice president of business development. Carmichall brings extensive expertise in franchise development and operations with brands like Dunkin’ and El Pollo Loco, positioning Starbird to effectively grow its footprint in Colorado and beyond. His leadership will be instrumental as Starbird seeks to connect with passionate multi-unit operators who are aligned with the brand’s vision for high-quality fast food. Additionally, Starbird is progressing on franchise development deals in key U.S. markets, including Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Seattle, San Diego and Chicago.
With franchise opportunities available in key U.S. markets — including California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Illinois and Florida — Starbird is seeking multi-unit operators interested in Area Development commitments of five stores over three years. For more information, visit www.starbirdfranchising.com.
Founded in 2016 by restaurant innovators at The Culinary Edge (TCE), and built upon pillars of culinary innovation, a frictionless service model and operational excellence, Starbird has successfully established a forward-thinking concept, leading the super-premium fast food marketplace and national brand recognition. For more information, visit www.starbirdchicken.com.
SOURCE: Starbird