Starbird Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, ROI and Data for 2026

Brand overview

Starbird is a chicken-focused, “super-premium fast food” concept built around crispy chicken across multiple formats (sandwiches, salads, wings and more), supported by a tech-driven ordering experience across channels.

Starbird was founded in 2016 by Aaron Noveshen and The Culinary Edge, a food-and-beverage innovation firm. The brand was created around the idea that guests can get high-quality, flavorful chicken at a price point that still delivers convenience and value.

Mission: Starbird’s mission is “to inspire excellence in the relentless pursuit of deliciousness.”

Vision: Starbird’s vision is “to reimagine fast-casual … to set new industry standards in the QSR franchise space.”

• “Super-premium fast food.”

• Gluten-friendly crispy chicken that’s hand-breaded and positioned as light and crispy.

• Salad-forward menu mix (Starbird positions itself as “owning” the fast-food salad category) alongside chicken sandwiches and tenders.

• Proprietary plant-based option (“Gardenbird”) that can be substituted across the menu.

• Integrated digital experience across mobile/web ordering, loyalty and in-store kiosks.

• Multi-channel marketing support spanning digital targeting, loyalty/CRM training, third-party delivery promotions, PR support and catering outreach.

• Structured training approach that begins months before opening and includes on-site opening support.

• Development and supply chain guidance (real estate/development support and established distribution/vendor setup are highlighted in franchising materials).

• Technology-forward operating model intended to support sales and ease execution (integrated platform across ordering channels).

Market availability

Starbird currently has U.S. markets available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington, with more states coming soon.

Initial costs and fees

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Starbird franchise ranges from $842,574 to $2,026,903. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for Starbird is $40,000, due in full as a one-time, nonrefundable payment when the franchise agreement is signed.

Starbird offers a $5,000 discount on the initial franchise fee for active-duty U.S. military personnel and honorably discharged veterans, which applies only to the first restaurant.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Starbird franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

ROI Potential: The average gross sales amount for the eight company-owned restaurants operating in 2024 was $3,730,623.

Starbird’s materials emphasize guidance through real estate/development and a structured pre-opening marketing plan.

Starbird states training begins months prior to opening and includes on-site support for multiple weeks during the opening months.

Starbird highlights marketing, operations, development and supply chain support, including vendor setup/ordering guidance and support for menu rollouts.

Starbird positions itself as a technology leader with an integrated digital platform intended to support ordering and loyalty across channels (mobile/web, kiosks, delivery integration).

Franchise requirements

• Net Worth: $250,000+

Starbird is seeking experienced multi-unit operators who can commit to opening multiple restaurants, with area development commitments described as a minimum of five stores.

Starbird’s franchising materials are oriented around multi-unit operation rather than a single, semi-absentee model, with operators expected to build and run multiple locations in a market.

Starbird does not mention any funding assistance publicly.

"Starbird stood out to us because of its premium offerings and commitment to redefining fast food. We're excited to introduce Starbird to Washington and share its chef-crafted menu and elevated guest experience with the communities we serve. This is more than just a business opportunity for us — it's about becoming part of a brand that's changing the way people think about fast food. We're thrilled to contribute to its growth and look forward to a long and successful partnership."

– Vin Mehta, principal of Mehta Investment Group. (Read the story here)

The fast-food chicken industry has stayed financially strong over the last five years, supported by rising disposable income and steady demand for convenient meals. At the same time, a growing focus on healthier eating has pushed many chicken concepts to adjust menus and add better-for-you options. Industry revenue increased at an annualized rate of 5.6%, reaching $63.7 billion over the five years to 2025, with an additional 1.7% growth projected in 2025.

Starbird’s competitive edge is its attempt to sit between fast-casual and QSR as a “super-premium fast food” concept, pairing chicken innovation with an integrated digital experience and a menu that extends beyond sandwiches into salads and multiple digital brand formats. Primary competitor brands include Chick-fil-A, Wingstop, Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Slim Chickens, Popeyes and KFC.

1. Introductory Call: You’ll have an initial call with the Starbird team to talk through the opportunity and make sure there’s mutual fit.

2. Franchise Application: You complete the franchise application with your financial picture, background and experience, plus the area you want to pursue.

3. Post-Application Interview: You and the Starbird team connect to review your application together and walk through any follow-up questions.

4. FDD Review: If your application moves forward, Starbird sends you the FDD and schedules time to discuss it and answer questions after you’ve reviewed it.

5. Validation and Due Diligence: You may visit Starbird locations and/or speak with current franchisees as part of your due diligence to better understand how they’ve found success.

6. Discovery Day: You attend a discovery event to meet the team, ask questions and share your plans, with pre-read materials and a business plan review as part of the process.

7. Approval: If the visit confirms a mutual fit, Starbird provides formal approval to move forward.

8. Sign Area Development Agreement: Once you execute the area development agreement, you officially join the Starbird system and the team schedules an onboarding event.

Fill out and submit the online form on Starbird’s franchise development website to get started.

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