Starbird has added more new markets to its footprint, opening its first Chicago-area restaurant in St. Charles, Illinois, on Oct. 19. This marks the fast-casual chicken chain’s debut in the Midwest and comes on the heels of a new franchise agreement to develop 15 locations across Washington state.
The St. Charles restaurant is the first of five planned locations in the Chicago market through a partnership with Keystone Management Group.
In a statement, Keystone’s Melanie Bowling said the company is excited to introduce the California-based brand to the community and “finding a fun way to give back to the schools and students who make this community special.”
Starbird identified Chicago as a strategic next step in its national expansion due to the market’s scale. With nearly 10 million consumers, the market offers an opportunity to build brand awareness as Starbird continues to grow, the company said.
“Expanding into Chicago is an important milestone for the brand and another example of our disciplined approach to growth,” CEO Greg Levin said in a statement. “We’re focused on entering markets where we see long-term opportunity and partnering with operators who can help us grow while preserving the guest experience and operational standards that define Starbird.”
In addition to Chicago and Washington, Starbird signed its largest franchise agreement to date earlier this year with a 36-unit target to expand in Texas with Mac Haik Restaurant Group.
Starbird’s growth is supported by longtime partner Dollarhyde Investment Group and investment firm KarpReilly. Levin was appointed CEO of the brand in February and is tasked with leading the chain’s national expansion. Upon his hire, founder Aaron Noveshen moved fully into the role of chairman of the board. In May, Starbird added Stefanie Lee as its chief financial officer.
The company ended 2025 with $59.4 million in sales, marking a 28.2% year-over-year increase, according to Technomic. It had 17 locations at the end of the year, or 13.3% more than in 2024. There are now just over 20 locations open.
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