Starbird Plans Houston Debut as Mac Haik Restaurant Group Brings 36 Locations to Texas
Houston’s ever-growing restaurant scene may soon have a new name on the menu. Starbird, a California-based fast-casual restaurant known for its chef-crafted crispy chicken and fresh, flavor-forward menu, is planning its first Texas locations — and Houston is expected to be one of the first cities to see it arrive.
The brand recently announced a major franchise agreement with Houston-based Mac Haik Restaurant Group that will bring 36 Starbird restaurants to Texas, including locations in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. The first openings are anticipated to begin in 2027, marking the company’s official entry into the Lone Star State.
For a region that takes its food seriously, the move signals another restaurant brand betting on Houston’s diverse dining culture and rapidly growing population.
A Chicken Concept Built Around Flavor and Fresh Ingredients
Starbird was founded in San Francisco in 2016 by restaurant entrepreneur Aaron Noveshen, who launched the concept through his culinary consulting firm, The Culinary Edge. The goal was straightforward: bring higher-quality food and thoughtful hospitality to the fast-casual space while keeping the convenience people expect from quick-service dining.
Since then, the brand has built a reputation for serving what it calls “Positively Delicious Chicken®,” a menu built around crispy chicken prepared with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
Guests at existing locations can expect a menu that goes well beyond traditional chicken tenders. Starbird’s offerings include crispy chicken sandwiches, wings, nuggets, salads, and grain bowls, often paired with house-made sauces and globally inspired seasonings.
Items such as Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, Korean fried chicken flavors, and hearty chopped salads topped with crispy chicken reflect the brand’s mix of comfort food and chef-driven creativity.
That approach has earned Starbird national attention in the restaurant industry. The brand won Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown in 2023, has appeared on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for nine consecutive years, and was included on Restaurant Business and Technomic’s Future 50 list, which tracks fast-growing restaurant concepts.
Today, the company operates 19 restaurants, primarily in California and Colorado, and is preparing to expand further as it enters its second decade.
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Houston-Based Mac Haik Restaurant Group Leading the Texas Rollout
Helping introduce Starbird to Texas diners is Mac Haik Restaurant Group, a division of Mac Haik Enterprises, a diversified Houston-based company with businesses spanning automotive dealerships, hospitality, media, and restaurants.
Within the restaurant industry, the group oversees a growing portfolio of concepts across Texas. It operates original brands such as Kirkwood, a modern clubhouse-style restaurant opening in Houston’s Energy Corridor, and Maggie’s Coffee, while also managing several franchise concepts.
Mac Haik Restaurant Group is also the largest franchisee of First Watch Daytime Café restaurants and was named Franchisee of the Year in 2024, highlighting the company’s experience operating and scaling restaurant brands.
Executives say Starbird stood out as a concept that fits well with Texas’ evolving fast-casual dining market.
“We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth,” said Dan Anfinson, Chief Operating Officer of Mac Haik Restaurant Group. “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.”
Why Texas — and Houston — Make Sense for Expansion
For restaurant brands looking to grow, Texas has become one of the most attractive markets in the country. Houston alone continues to attract new residents, businesses, and national restaurant concepts, making it a testing ground for new dining ideas.
Starbird CEO Greg Levin said the company views the Texas expansion as a major step forward as it marks its 10-year milestone.
“This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the clarity of our long-term vision,” Levin said. “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 expansion also places Starbird in one of the most competitive segments of the restaurant industry. The U.S. chicken restaurant category is valued at more than $34 billion, with demand continuing to grow for fast-casual restaurants that offer higher-quality ingredients and customizable menus.
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What Houston Diners Can Expect
While specific Houston locations have not yet been announced, the 36-unit agreement suggests a significant long-term presence in the region once development begins.
If the Texas locations mirror existing Starbird restaurants, diners can expect a menu centered around crispy chicken served in a variety of ways — from sandwiches and wings to salads and bowls — paired with house-made sauces and bold flavor profiles.
The restaurants are typically designed with a modern fast-casual layout that combines digital ordering, quick service, and comfortable dining spaces.
What Happens Next
The first Starbird locations in Texas are expected to begin opening in 2027, with Houston likely among the earliest markets to see the brand arrive.
As development moves forward, more details about specific neighborhoods, construction timelines, and opening dates are expected to emerge.
For Houston residents who enjoy trying new dining concepts — especially those centered around creative takes on crispy chicken — Starbird may soon become a new name to watch.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates as Starbird’s Texas expansion progresses and Houston locations are announced.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.