Franchise veteran to help guide franchise development as the brand enters its next phase of multistate growth
San Francisco, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Starbird, the San Francisco-based premium chicken concept, announced the appointment of industry veteran Hoyt Jones as advisor to the board of directors as the company accelerates its national franchising efforts.
Jones previously served as president of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc., where he helped guide franchise development, operational alignment and national expansion across one of the nation’s most successful restaurant systems. During his tenure, Jersey Mike’s experienced significant growth and industry recognition, including ranking No. 2 on Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500.
“Hoyt brings a rare combination of franchise, marketing and brand-building expertise that will help shape Starbird’s next chapter,” said Greg Levin, chief executive officer of Starbird. “His experience helping build one of the country’s most disciplined multi-unit restaurant brands will be invaluable as we enter new markets while protecting the standards and brand integrity that define Starbird.”
As an advisor to the board, Jones will provide strategic counsel to Starbird’s leadership team on franchise development, operational discipline and long-term scalability. With extensive experience guiding multi-unit franchise networks, he has helped translate brand strategy into in-restaurant execution while supporting franchise partners and strengthening performance standards.
“Starbird has built a compelling brand and a strong operational foundation,” said Jones. “I’m excited to support the board and leadership team as the company continues developing a franchise platform designed for sustainable, scalable growth.”
Jones’ appointment follows the recent hiring of Levin as CEO, further strengthening Starbird’s leadership team as the company builds its national franchise platform.
Together, these leadership investments reinforce Starbird’s commitment to a franchise model that supports franchisee profitability, protects brand integrity and enables disciplined long-term development across multiple markets.
Today’s announcement comes as Starbird enters its 10th year in business and continues building its presence beyond California. The brand recently signed a 36-unit franchise development agreement in Texas – its largest to date – underscoring growing national demand for the concept and its Positively Delicious Chicken®.
To learn more about Starbird or franchising opportunities, please visit StarbirdChicken.com and StarbirdFranchising.com, email franchising@starbirdchicken.com or contact 866-327-4779.
About Starbird
Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Starbird is a super-premium fast food brand serving Positively Delicious Chicken® through a modern, thoughtfully designed dining experience that blends hospitality, culinary craft and a smart use of technology. The brand’s menu features signature crispy chicken across salads, tenders, sandwiches, wings, and nuggets – made with bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, house made sauces and a focus on consistency and execution.
Starbird was founded by restaurant entrepreneur Aaron Noveshen through his firm, The Culinary Edge, with a vision to bring higher-quality food and thoughtful hospitality to quick-service dining. Built upon pillars of culinary innovation, and operational excellence, Starbird has established a differentiated position within the $34 billion U.S. chicken category. Today, the brand operates 19 locations and continues to expand into new markets.
Starbird’s fresh, chef-driven approach has earned widespread industry recognition, including being named Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown winner in 2023, appearing on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers for nine consecutive years (ranking #7 in 2025), and landing on Restaurant Business/Technomic’s Future 50 list. Starbird has also been featured in QSR’s Best Brands to Work For in 2025.
For more information, go to StarbirdChicken.com, or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Courtney Sybesma
Champion
csybesma@championmgt.com