Starbird is moving big into Texas.
The San Francisco-based chicken chain on Tuesday said Mac Haik Restaurant Group has signed on to open 36 units in Houston, Austin and San Antonio, beginning in 2027. It’s the largest development deal yet for Starbird, which saw the opening of its first franchised location last year in Denver.
Mac Haik Restaurant Group is a division of Mac Haik Enterprises, an investment firm with a diverse portfolio, including car dealerships, hotels and outdoor media. The Restaurant Group also operates First Watch units in Houston, and the group has invested in the fast-casual brands Slapfish, ChopShop and Dué Cucina. Two original concepts are also in the works: the full-service restaurant Kirkwood, and a lunch concept called Flourish Daily Fare.
“We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth,” said Dan Anfinson, Mac Haik Restaurant Group’s chief operating officer, in a statement. “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,” Anfinson added. “We’re excited to introduce it thoughtfully across our markets and build a meaningful presence over time.”
Describing itself as “premium fast food,” Starbird was founded in San Francisco in 2016 by Aaron Noveshen through his consulting firm The Culinary Edge. The chain has grown to 19 units, mostly in California, and development is also planned for Seattle, Chicago and more in Denver.
Texas, however, is a challenging market to break into. But Mac Haik group is a proven operator with deep roots there.
Greg Levin, who was recently named CEO of Starbird, said Texas is a critical market for the chain’s growth.
“As we mark our 10th anniversary, this is shaping up to be our biggest year yet in terms of expansion,” he said in a statement.
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