Starbird Chicken
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($40,000)
The Concept
Starbird Chicken is a U.S. fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in crispy chicken made with fresh, never-frozen chicken that is hand-breaded in a proprietary gluten-free flour and spice blend. Its menu includes chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, salads, wraps, bowls and dipping sauces, with dine-in, takeout, delivery and digital ordering options.
Founded in the San Francisco Bay Area, Starbird is expanding beyond California through franchise development agreements. The company targets experienced multi-unit restaurant operators, generally seeking area development commitments of at least five restaurants. Its franchise model includes operational training, real estate and development assistance, and pre- and post-opening marketing support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Starbird Chicken franchise?
The estimated initial investment for one restaurant ranges from $842,574 to $2,026,903. Starbird also promotes five-restaurant development agreements with estimated total investment of $4.17 million–$10.02 million. The first restaurant carries a $40,000 franchise fee, while each additional location has a $30,000 fee.
What qualifications do franchisees need?
Starbird is seeking experienced multi-unit restaurant operators rather than first-time owners. Its published franchise information identifies minimum financial qualifications of $1 million in liquid capital and $3 million in net worth. The brand generally seeks area development commitments of at least five restaurants.
What ongoing fees do franchisees pay?
The royalty is 5% of net sales. Additional marketing contributions total 3% of net sales: 0.5% for the Brand Development Fund, 1.5% for national digital media and 1% for local store marketing. The FDD also reserves the right to establish a regional advertising fund of up to 3% of net sales.
How much revenue can a Starbird restaurant generate?
Starbird’s current franchise website reports median gross sales of $4.2 million, based on company-owned restaurants operating during 2024 and disclosed in the April 2025 FDD. The IFA cited an average unit volume of approximately $4.1 million in 2025. These figures use different statistical measures and should not be treated as interchangeable. Neither represents net profit or guarantees future performance.
Can franchisees operate multiple restaurants?
Yes. Multi-unit development is central to Starbird’s franchise strategy. The company generally seeks operators willing to commit to developing at least five restaurants within an agreed area. Candidates go through an application, FDD review, due diligence, discovery day and approval process before signing an area development agreement.
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Latest News from STARBIRD CHICKEN
Starbird Signs Its First Midwest Deal: 5 Franchise Units Coming to Chicago
Starbird, the California-born premium chicken franchise brand, has signed a five-unit development agreement for the Chicago metropolitan area, marking the brand's first expansion into the Midwest. The deal follows an earlier 36-unit franchise agreement for Texas and signals a deliberate push by the brand to build a national franchise footprint…
