The First Starbird Opens
Our flagship location opens at 1241 W El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, CA. On opening day, lines stretch around the block — the community's appetite for something better is undeniable.
Our Story
About Starbird
chicken
We're more than a restaurant — we're a starbird experience built on bold flavors, honest ingredients, and a deep love for the communities we serve across the United States.
Est. 2015
Sunnyvale, California
Our Company Story
The starbird chicken Story
Starbird chicken was born in 2015 from a simple but powerful belief: that fast food should never mean compromising on quality. Founded in Sunnyvale, California, we set out to reimagine the chicken sandwich — using responsibly sourced ingredients, chef-crafted sauces, and cooking techniques borrowed from fine dining.
"We wanted to create a place where every bite of starbird chicken felt like a celebration — bold, honest, and made with real care."
What started as a single location on El Camino Real has grown into a beloved destination for food lovers across the United States. Our starbirds — the dishes we're most proud of — continue to evolve with the seasons, always staying true to our roots.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Values
At Starbird chicken, every decision — from the farmers we partner with to the packaging we use — is guided by our commitment to quality, community, and sustainability.
Quality First
We source only the freshest, most responsibly raised ingredients. Our starbird chicken is never frozen, always prepared fresh to order with the same standards as a fine dining kitchen.
Community Love
We believe great food builds great communities. From local partnerships to charitable initiatives across the United States, we invest in the places and people that make us who we are.
Sustainable Practices
From compostable packaging to energy-efficient kitchens, sustainability is woven into everything we do. We're committed to leaving a lighter footprint on the planet we all share.
Culinary Innovation
Our kitchen team constantly pushes the boundaries of what chicken can be. Each season brings new starbirds — limited specials crafted from unexpected flavor combinations and bold creativity.
Team Empowerment
Our people are our greatest ingredient. We offer living wages, growth paths, and a culture where every team member is valued — because the best food comes from happy, motivated people.
Transparency
No mystery ingredients, no hidden additives. We openly share what goes into every dish. Our full nutritional information and sourcing details are always available for every guest to review.
How We Got Here
starbird chicken History
A decade of growth, flavor, and community — here are the milestones that shaped Starbird chicken into what it is today.
2015
2017
Regional Expansion & starbirds Menu Launch
We introduce our seasonal "starbirds" menu — rotating chef-crafted specials that change quarterly. The concept becomes a hallmark of the Starbird chicken brand and wins a Bay Area food award.
2019
Catering & Corporate Programs Launch
Responding to strong demand, we launch full-service catering and corporate meal programs. Within 12 months, Starbird chicken is serving over 200 Bay Area companies with fresh, chef-prepared lunches.
2021
Sustainability Pledge & Packaging Overhaul
We make a public commitment to 100% compostable or recyclable packaging by 2023 — and hit the target a full year early. Recognized by the California Green Business Network for our environmental efforts.
2023
Online Ordering & National Delivery
Starbird chicken launches a revamped online ordering platform, making it easier than ever to enjoy our food at home. Delivery partnerships expand our reach to customers across the United States.
2025
A Decade of starbird chicken
We celebrate 10 years of bold flavors and community love. With over 50,000 monthly guests, new menu innovations on the horizon, and an unwavering commitment to quality, the best is still yet to come.
The People Behind the Flavor
Meet Our Team
Behind every exceptional starbird chicken experience is a passionate team of food lovers, innovators, and community builders dedicated to making every visit unforgettable.
Founder & CEO
Marcus Reid
A Bay Area native and former fine dining chef, Marcus founded Starbird chicken with a vision to bring restaurant-quality flavor to everyday dining. His relentless pursuit of the perfect starbird sandwich drives the entire brand.
Executive Chef
Sofia Reyes
Classically trained in Paris and Tokyo, Sofia brings global technique to California comfort food. She leads the development of our starbirds seasonal menu and ensures every plate meets her exacting standards.
Operations Director
David Chen
David ensures every Starbird chicken guest has a seamless, memorable experience. With a background in hospitality management, he oversees the systems and people that keep our kitchen running at peak performance.
Head of Community
Aisha Thompson
Aisha is the heart of Starbird chicken's community connection. She leads our charitable partnerships, local sourcing initiatives, and the programs that give back to the neighborhoods we are proud to call home.
What We Stand For
The starbirds Way of Doing Things
Our values aren't framed on a wall — they're practiced every day in how we cook, serve, and show up for our community. This is the starbirds promise.
Uncompromising Quality
We never take shortcuts. Every starbird chicken item is made with premium ingredients, fresh daily, and prepared with the care of a professional kitchen — every single time.
Integrity in Every Bite
Honest ingredients, transparent sourcing, and no hidden shortcuts. We believe you deserve to know exactly what's in your food — and we're proud to share it.
Relentless Innovation
The culinary world never stands still, and neither do we. Our team is constantly experimenting, tasting, and refining to bring you the next great starbird chicken experience.
Responsibility to Our Planet
From farm partnerships to waste reduction, every choice we make considers the long-term health of our environment. Good food and good stewardship go hand in hand.
"Every great meal starts with a great team who cares about more than just the food on the plate."
— Marcus Reid, Founder & CEO