Starbird headed into Washington state

Starbird, a fast food concept that boasts a healthier version of fried chicken, has signed its second-ever franchise development agreement.

Through a partnership with the Mehta Investment Group, the new agreement is expected to result in 17 new locations in Washington state. This includes 15 locations in the greater Seattle market and 2 in Spokane. The first new restaurants are planned to open in early 2025.

Vin Mehta and his son Rohit lead Mehta Investment Group, a family-owned enterprise. The group’s Starbird plan calls for Vin to oversee the strategic direction of the partnership while Rohit will manage daily operations and build a footprint in Washington.

“Starbird stood out to us because of its premium offerings and commitment to redefining fast food,” said Vin Mehta, principal of Mehta Investment Group. “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.”

Starbird signed its first franchise agreement last month. A partnership with Whiplash Holdings calls for seven locations in the Denver market. This also marked Starbird’s initial expansion outside of California.

Starbird’s menu offerings include NAE (no antibiotics ever), fresh, never frozen chicken, hand-breaded in a proprietary gluten-free flour blend, complemented by nine house-made dipping sauces.

“Starbird’s incredible growth reflects the demand for high-quality, chef-driven fast food that resonates with today’s consumers,” said Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird. “Vin and Rohit Mehta bring a powerful combination of operational expertise and a genuine passion for community engagement. We’re confident they’ll establish Starbird as a beloved brand in Washington and help us continue setting a new standard in fast food.”

The company said it has franchise opportunities in several U.S. markets, including California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. As of now, Starbird said it is looking to partner with “seasoned” multi-unit operators interested in commitments of five stores over three years.

Franchise development deals are currently in the works for Salt Lake City, Phoenix, San Diego, and Chicago.