Starbird, a California-based chicken chain, has announced that salads have outperformed fried chicken as its top-selling menu category. This shift comes as the company prepares for a significant expansion into five states, including Washington. With approximately 20 locations across California and Colorado, the chain has seen a remarkable rise in demand for its entrée-sized salads, according to founder Aaron Noveshen.
The growth of salad sales reflects a broader trend towards healthier eating options. “We do serve wings and tenders and sandwiches and all the more traditional or fast casual style of chicken products,” Noveshen noted in an interview with FOX Business. “But it’s really the premium ingredients and the healthful indulgence that you can find at Starbird that set us apart.”
Among the popular salad options are the Elote Chop Salad, Avo Cabo Crunch, Tokyo Sesame Crunch, Thai Chicken, and Chicken Chop, as listed on the chain’s website. This variety showcases their commitment to quality and innovation in fast food.
Founded in 2016, Starbird aims to elevate American fast food with high-quality ingredients and a modern dining experience. The chain uses fresh chicken, which is hand-breaded and cooked in rice bran oil in small batches. Noveshen emphasizes that this process results in a “lighter, fresher product.” He remarked, “The product’s incredibly fresh, incredibly light, and delicious.”
In addition to its menu offerings, Starbird has embraced technology to enhance the customer experience. The majority of orders are placed digitally through the company’s mobile app, online platform, or in-store kiosks. This focus on convenience aligns with current consumer preferences for digital ordering.
Starbird operates not only in traditional restaurant settings but also in several nontraditional venues. Locations include Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco International Airport, and California Memorial Stadium, home to the University of California, Berkeley football team. With the Super Bowl hosted at Levi’s Stadium, the Bay Area saw a surge in visitors and events leading up to the game. Noveshen stated, “Because Starbird is a known entity, people could fly in to have Starbird right at the airport; they could come to the stadium and have Starbird. It was one of our biggest weeks in company history.”
As the company celebrates its ten-year anniversary, Starbird is poised for expansion. Noveshen shared plans to enter five new states over the next year, including Washington. “That’s how we think about things at Starbird,” he explained. “Create a little positivity, put a smile on people’s faces, and share some deliciousness.”
With a strategic focus on quality, technology, and customer engagement, Starbird is not just reshaping its menu but also aiming to redefine the fast-food experience as it ventures into new markets.
