Operations

Starbird Chicken might be a golden goose

Provided

July 6, 2021

Starbird Chicken, a nine-unit fast casual chain based in California, has achieved its third year of positive same-store sales growth, with 2021 same-store sales coming in at +75% over 2019 and +36% over 2020, according to a company press release.

The brand increased its location footprint by 28% in the first half of 2021 and will add multiple locations in the Bay Area and Los Angeles within the next 24 months. The growth comes on the heels of a successful 2020 despite the pandemic, where Starbird Chicken reported a 36% increase in systemwide revenue YOY and industry-leading sales per square foot, CEO Aaron Noveshen said in the release.

"We're projecting to have in the upwards of 20 locations open and operating by the end of 2022, almost tripling the size of our system since 2020," he said. "We came out of the gate strong in the first half of the year and are enthusiastic to continue the momentum throughout 2021. We're energized by how far our brand has come in such a short period of time and look forward to launching our franchise program to bring Starbird Chicken to more fans across the country."

Spreading its wings
The chain, based in California, recently added a suite of virtual brands under the Starbird name, including Starbird Wings, Starbird Salads, Starbird Bowls and the brand's new plant-based concept, Gardenbird.

Tailored to maximize digital real estate and drive sales through different channels, Starbird's virtual brands are trending at 16% of company-wide sales in Q2 2021, Noveshen said.

As part of its growth strategy, Starbird is launching a franchise program by the end of the year and has locations in streetside storefronts, stadiums, airports as well as cloud kitchens. Although it's already raised $10 million to fuel growth, it's working on another equity round to support franchising growth.

In addition to its recent growth, Starbird Chicken has earned top industry awards such as being named "Best Restaurant" on ICX Association Elevate Awards and ranking No. 21 on Fast Casual's Movers & Shakers list.

Noveshen will speak about the chain's focus on technology at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, Aug. 10-12 in Atlanta. Registration is open.