---
title: "Starbird Signs First Franchise Development Deal"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/cdb356d9-cbcf-4d87-b324-71f18528ab6e
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20241101_starbird_signs_first_franchise_development_deal.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit","Emerging brands"]
published: 2024-11-01T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:37.862Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Starbird Signs First Franchise Development Deal

**TL;DR:** Starbird signed its first franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the Greater Denver market. The partnership marks Starbird's initial expansion beyond California, with the first location expected to open in Denver by mid-2025.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2024-11-01. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20241101_starbird_signs_first_franchise_development_deal.html).*

## Story

San Francisco – Starbird today announced the signing of its inaugural franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the Greater Denver market. The first Starbird location is expected to open in Denver by mid-2025, with all seven locations set to roll out over the next few years. This partnership marks Starbird’s initial expansion beyond California, allowing Denver residents to enjoy Starbird’s signature bold flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Whiplash Holdings, backed by a team with decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries, aligns with Starbird’s mission of bringing feel-good fast food to new markets. As part of this commitment, Whiplash Holdings plans to actively support the Denver community, including involvement with organizations like the Denver Children’s Foundation.

“Expanding beyond California for the first time is a landmark moment for Starbird and a testament to the demand for a new kind of fast food,” said Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird. “Denver’s vibrant and discerning community is the perfect place to introduce our unique brand of chef-crafted crispy chicken. Whiplash Holdings brings unparalleled industry expertise and a deep commitment to community, making them an ideal partner to help us set a new standard in fast food.”

Reflecting on the partnership, Daniel Wagner, CEO of Whiplash Holdings, shared, “We couldn’t be more committed to bringing this brand to our hometown. Our team has years of experience in the restaurant industry, and we believe Starbird is uniquely positioned to set a new standard here. We’re excited to introduce Denver to a fast-food experience that prioritizes quality, flavor, and a strong connection to the community.”

Known for its hand-crafted, feel-good crispy chicken, bold flavors, and chef-driven innovation, Starbird’s menu features antibiotic-free chicken that’s always fresh, never frozen. Each piece is individually hand-breaded in a secret blend of gluten-free flours and spices, complemented by nine delicious homemade dipping sauces.

In support of this expansion and ongoing franchise development efforts, Starbird recently welcomed Brian Carmichall to the team as the VP of Business Development. Carmichall brings extensive expertise in franchise development and operations with brands like Dunkin’ and El Pollo Loco.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- franchise development (topic)
- restaurant industry (topic)
- community involvement (topic)
- Dunkin' Brands (company)
- market expansion (topic)
- Denver (location)
- El Pollo Loco (company)
- fast food (topic)
- Starbird (company)
- Aaron Noveshen (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20241101_starbird_signs_first_franchise_development_deal.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/cdb356d9-cbcf-4d87-b324-71f18528ab6e).