Our Story

About Starbird chicken

We're on a mission to serve bold-flavored, antibiotic-free starbird chicken to communities across the United States — one delicious meal at a time.

2015 Founded

12+ Locations

500K+ Happy Guests

4.8★ Avg. Rating

Starbird chicken restaurant interior with warm ambiance

Best Chicken Restaurant Bay Area Food Awards 2023

Who We Are

The starbird chicken story begins with a simple belief

Good food should taste bold, be made with integrity, and leave you wanting more. That was the founding philosophy when Starbird chicken opened its first kitchen in San Jose, California.

From day one, we've been committed to sourcing antibiotic-free chicken, crafting house-made sauces, and building a menu that celebrates real ingredients. What started as a single location in 2015 has grown into a beloved brand with starbirds fans across the United States, united by their love of craveable, quality-first food.

100% antibiotic-free and humanely raised chicken
House-made sauces and marinades crafted daily
No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Locally sourced produce from regional farms
Eco-friendly packaging across all locations

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What Drives Us

Our Core Values

Every meal we serve reflects a deep commitment to quality, community, and doing things the right way — because starbird chicken was built on principles, not shortcuts.

Farm-to-Table Integrity

We partner only with farms that share our commitment to ethical and sustainable agriculture, ensuring every bird is raised with care.

Bold Flavor, Always

We never compromise on taste. Our chefs develop every recipe to deliver punchy, memorable flavor that keeps you coming back.

Community First

We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — from local hiring to community events — because great food thrives in great communities.

Sustainable Practices

From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, sustainability isn't just a buzzword — it's built into how we operate every day.

Our Journey

A History of Bold Starbirds Moments

From a single San Jose kitchen to a growing national brand, here are the milestones that shaped the Starbird chicken story.

2015

The First Kitchen Opens

Starbird chicken launches its debut location in San Jose, CA, introducing the Bay Area to antibiotic-free chicken sandwiches and bold house sauces.

2016

Award-Winning Menu Debut

Our signature Starbird Sandwich wins Best New Restaurant Dish at the Bay Area Food Critics' Awards, putting us on the map as a destination eatery.

2017

Expansion to 3 Locations

Riding demand from loyal starbird chicken fans, we open two additional Bay Area locations and introduce our beloved Tenders & Waffles combo.

2019

National Delivery Launch

Starbird chicken partners with major delivery platforms, making it possible for starbirds enthusiasts across the United States to enjoy our food at home.

2021

Zero-Waste Kitchen Initiative

We launch our sustainability program, committing to compostable packaging, food waste reduction, and carbon-offset delivery across all locations.

2023

12 Locations & Growing

Starbird chicken reaches a milestone of 12 locations across California and neighboring states, with plans to expand to 20+ by end of 2025.

Meet the Team

The People Behind Every Great Meal

Passionate about food, driven by purpose. Our team brings decades of culinary experience and a shared love of starbird chicken to every shift.

Founder & CEO

Aaron Mitchell

A seasoned restaurateur with 20+ years in the industry, Aaron founded Starbird chicken on a simple belief: great chicken changes everything.

Executive Chef

Sofia Reyes

Trained in culinary arts across three continents, Sofia is the creative force behind our bold sauces, seasonal specials, and every recipe on the starbird menu.

Head of Operations

James Caldwell

James ensures every Starbird chicken location delivers a consistently excellent experience — from kitchen efficiency to warm guest hospitality.

Director of Sustainability

Priya Nair

Priya leads our zero-waste mission, building partnerships with local farms and implementing green practices across all starbirds locations nationwide.

Starbird chicken dining room with guests enjoying fresh chicken meals

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Experience Starbird chicken Today

Bold flavor, antibiotic-free starbird chicken, and genuine hospitality — all waiting for you. Place your order now or explore our full menu.

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