The San Francisco-born chicken chain Starbird is now looking to fly further than its native California. Ten years after it first took wing in San Francisco, the company has signed a new franchise agreement with Mehta Investment Group to build 17 outlets across Washington state, a notable move away from its original home base.
The Deal With Mehta Investment Group
Rohit Mehta and his father Vin will manage the expansion through Mehta Investment Group, a family business with experience across several fields. The group’s collection of eating places includes Jack in the Box, fine dining Mexican restaurants, and East India Co Grill & Bar.
The strategic direction of Starbird restaurants will be guided by Vin Mehta, who serves as president of Mehta Investment Group. His brother, Rohit Mehta, will take charge of daily operations while supporting the brand’s expansion across Washington.
What They Said About Starbird
A statement from the two people concerned says that Starbird has “built something truly special by reimagining what a chicken restaurant can be, from the bold flavors and hospitable, modern restaurant design to the overall guest experience.”.
A Busy Year For Expansion
Just months after Starbird signed its biggest franchise deal, targeting a 36-unit expansion in Texas with Mac Haik Restaurant Group, the company has now reached another agreement in Washington.
Dollarhyde Investment Group and investment firm KarpReilly have served as longtime partners in Starbird’s expansion, while the company has added new franchise development deals in Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Denver.
Leadership Shakeup
In February, Greg Levin was named CEO of the brand and charged with overseeing its push across the country. When he took on the job, Founder Aaron Noveshen stepped back to serve as chairman of the board.
In May, Starbird added Stefanie Lee as its chief financial officer.
The Numbers Behind The Growth
According to Technomic, Starbird ended 2025 with $59.4 million in sales, marking a 28.2% year-over-year increase. The company had 17 locations at the end of the year, or 13.3% more than in 2024. There are now 20 locations open.
Why This Deal Matters
A brand that began in San Francisco is continuing its outward expansion, and now Washington is part of it. This growth comes well under a year since Greg Levin took over as CEO.
The Chain’s Recent Record
Technomic reports that Starbird’s sales rose 28.2% from one year to the next during 2025.
The New Leadership Team
- CEO: Greg Levin
- Chairman of the Board: Aaron Noveshen
- Chief Financial Officer: Stefanie Lee
What Comes Next
The company keeps adding locations nationwide, with fresh agreements in Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Denver now part of the growth that already covers Washington and Texas.
The shift from San Francisco to Washington marks a real step up for a company that began ten years ago. The figures show the scale of the ambition: 28.2% sales growth, 13.3% more locations added in a single year.
Starbird is spreading its wings to Washington.
Source material: “Starbird spreading its wings to Washington,” Nation's Restaurant News.
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