Technology

Starbird achieves 4th consecutive year of 25% same-store sales growth

Provided

January 20, 2023

Starbird has achieved its fourth consecutive year of more than 25% same-store sales growth. Since the start of the year, the California-based chain has added three locations to its portfolio, including its first streetside restaurant in Southern California in Hermosa Beach. The brand has plans to expand across the state with at least five locations slated to open before the end of the year.

"Since joining the team as director of marketing, I have seen immense potential for this brand and it's been exciting to see how much we have accomplished in such a short period of time," Casey Hilder said in a company press release. "We've had the privilege of opening numerous new stores across California this year, which has set us up for success as we head into our first official year of franchising. With everything we have planned for 2023 – from new stores to technology advancements to new LTO launches — I have no doubt that momentum will carry us into another successful year of growth."

Focusing on the rapid shift in dining preferences, Starbird launched its latest iteration of its loyalty program — Starbird Loyalty 2.0 — to increase the number of guest touch points and drive digital ordering. The points-based program offers an individualized experience that allows guests to redeem rewards sooner and pick which reward is right for them. With innovation at the core of Starbird's menu, the team behind the program has evolved its features and resources since the program's initial launch to help its loyal customers get as close as possible to the unique dining experience they're known for, Hilder said in the release. The company's investment in digital innovation resulted in a 15% increase in loyalty user growth in 2022, stemming from the addition of more than 53,470 new users.

In addition, Starbird's integrated digital platform has created 70% off-premise sales, which stem from its omnichannel ecosystem through its mobile app, touchscreen ordering in store, loyalty program and delivery. The omnichannel approach includes Starbird's suite of virtual brands — Starbird Salads, Starbird Wings, Starbird Bowls and Gardenbird — which made up 11% of total sales in 2022 and continue to build digital revenue year after year. Starbird plans to launch a virtual brand in 2023.