Starbird’s Chef-Driven Crispy Chicken Is Headed to San Antonio Through Major Texas Expansion
San Antonio’s growing restaurant scene may soon see a new addition. Starbird, a California-based fast-casual brand known for its chef-crafted crispy chicken and fresh, flavor-forward menu, is planning its first Texas locations — and San Antonio is expected to be among the cities where the brand arrives.
The company recently announced a franchise agreement with Houston-based Mac Haik Restaurant Group that will bring 36 Starbird restaurants to Texas, including locations in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. The first openings are expected to begin in 2027, marking the brand’s official entry into the state.
For San Antonio diners, the expansion represents another example of national restaurant brands choosing the city as a key market for growth.
A Chicken Concept Built Around Flavor and Fresh Ingredients
Starbird was founded in San Francisco in 2016 by restaurant entrepreneur Aaron Noveshen, through his firm The Culinary Edge, with the goal of bringing higher-quality ingredients and thoughtful hospitality to the fast-casual restaurant experience.
The brand’s menu centers around its signature “Positively Delicious Chicken®,” which is served across a wide range of dishes prepared with bold seasonings and fresh ingredients.
At existing locations, guests will find crispy chicken featured in sandwiches, tenders, wings, nuggets, salads, and grain bowls, often paired with house-made sauces and globally inspired flavors.
Menu items like Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, Korean fried chicken, and hearty chopped salads topped with crispy chicken reflect the brand’s blend of comfort food and chef-driven creativity.
The concept has received several industry honors, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown winner in 2023, appearances on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for nine consecutive years, and recognition on Restaurant Business and Technomic’s Future 50 list.
Today, Starbird operates 19 locations and is continuing to expand beyond its California roots.
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Houston-Based Restaurant Group Leading the Texas Expansion
Starbird’s expansion into Texas will be led by Mac Haik Restaurant Group, a division of Mac Haik Enterprises, a diversified Houston-based company with holdings in hospitality, automotive, media, and restaurants.
Within the restaurant sector, Mac Haik Restaurant Group oversees a growing portfolio of concepts throughout Texas. Its brands include Kirkwood, a modern clubhouse-style restaurant opening in Houston’s Energy Corridor, and Maggie’s Coffee, alongside several franchise partnerships.
The group is also the largest franchisee of First Watch Daytime Café restaurants and was named Franchisee of the Year in 2024, highlighting its experience operating multi-unit restaurant concepts.
Executives say Starbird’s focus on culinary quality and operational systems made it a strong fit for expansion in Texas.
“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 San Antonio Continues to Attract Restaurant Expansion
San Antonio’s steady population growth and strong tourism economy have made it an increasingly attractive market for national restaurant brands looking to expand across Texas.
Starbird CEO Greg Levin said the partnership with Mac Haik Restaurant Group will allow the company to grow thoughtfully as it enters the Texas market.
“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 brand will also be entering a rapidly growing segment of the restaurant industry. The U.S. chicken restaurant category is valued at more than $34 billion, with continued consumer demand for fast-casual restaurants offering fresh ingredients and customizable menus.
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What San Antonio Diners Can Expect
While specific San Antonio locations have not yet been announced, the 36-unit development plan indicates the brand plans to establish a significant presence in the region once construction begins.
If the Texas restaurants mirror existing Starbird locations, guests can expect a menu centered around crispy chicken served in sandwiches, wings, salads, bowls, and other creative dishes paired with house-made sauces.
Restaurants are typically designed with a modern fast-casual format that combines digital ordering, quick service, and comfortable dining spaces.
What Happens Next
The first Starbird restaurants in Texas are expected to begin opening in 2027, with San Antonio among the cities anticipated to receive locations early in the rollout.
More details about neighborhoods, construction timelines, and opening dates are expected as development plans move forward.
For San Antonio residents who enjoy exploring new dining concepts, Starbird could soon become another fresh addition to the city’s expanding restaurant scene.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates as Starbird’s Texas expansion progresses and San Antonio 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.