California Chicken Chain Starbird Plans 36 Locations Across Texas, Starting 2027

Mac Haik Restaurant Group, the Houston-based restaurant arm of Mac Haik Enterprises, has signed a 36-unit franchise agreement with California chicken chain Starbird, bringing the Bay Area brand to Houston, Austin and San Antonio beginning in 2027 in what the company calls the largest development deal in its history.

Starbird was founded in Sunnyvale in 2016 by restaurant entrepreneur Aaron Noveshen through his firm, The Culinary Edge. The brand built itself around antibiotic-free, never-frozen chicken hand-breaded in a gluten-free flour and spice blend, positioning itself as what Noveshen saw as a gap in fast-casual: high-quality food with more thoughtful hospitality. The chain currently operates 19 locations across the Bay Area, Southern California and Colorado, after growing from 12 to 17 California locations by 2024 before entering the Colorado market, where it plans to open 15 restaurants.

Texas represents a significantly larger bet. Mac Haik Restaurant Group COO Dan Anfinson, who confirmed the deal, framed the decision in measured terms. "We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth," he said. MHRG already operates a portfolio of recognizable Houston concepts including First Watch, Original ChopShop and Due Cucina, recently launched Maggie's Coffee at Energy Tower II off the Katy Freeway, and is preparing to open Kirkwood in spring 2026.

Starbird CEO Greg Levin, who was recently appointed to lead the brand into its next growth phase, tied the Texas push to the chain's 10th anniversary. "This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the clarity of our long-term vision," Levin said. "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."

The menu spans fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, nuggets, wings and salads, all built around what the brand markets as its "Positively Delicious Chicken," made fresh to order with gluten-friendly breading. That positioning puts Starbird squarely in the premium tier of a fast-casual chicken category that has grown increasingly crowded in Texas.

MHRG has not yet announced which city will receive the first Texas Starbird location, saying it is still securing sites. With openings scheduled to begin in 2027, the group has time to work through site selection across all three target markets before the first location opens its doors.