Maria Rivera appointed as Starbird's new CEO
Starbird Taps Experienced Leader Maria Rivera as New CEO for National Expansion
Maria Rivera has been appointed as the new CEO of Starbird, a leading super-premium fast food chain with 18 units, effective July 2025. Rivera, an industry veteran with a proven track record in scaling dynamic brands, joins Starbird to lead its national expansion and franchise growth [1][2].
Starbird, founded in 2016 by Aaron Noveshen, is a fast-casual chicken restaurant that emphasizes a tech-forward mentality and deep training to ensure quality as it grows [2][4]. With an average unit volume (AUV) of $4.3 million, double the industry average, and double-digit same-store sales growth last year, Starbird has established itself as a significant player in the fast food market [3].
Rivera's plans for growth include accelerating Starbird's national presence and franchise development, guided by disciplined brand-building and maintaining the core values of quality food and team culture. She emphasizes the importance of stewardship by franchise partners to keep the brand’s standards intact during expansion [2][5].
Aaron Noveshen, Starbird's founder, will transition to the role of chairman of the board. Noveshen stated that Rivera is a transformative leader with a history of building heartfelt brands, assembling strong teams, and driving disciplined growth [1]. Rivera also joins Starbird's board and brings a wealth of experience from executive roles at Krispy Kreme, Logan's Roadhouse, Darden Restaurants, and Caesar's Entertainment [6].
Starbird is backed by private-equity firms KarpReilly and Dollarhyde Investment Group, led by industry veteran Greg Dollarhyde [7]. The company currently has more than 30 franchised units in development, with its first franchised location in Denver set to open soon [1].
Rivera, who previously served as the CEO of Smalls Sliders, sees her expertise in franchise growth as complementary to Noveshen's culinary expertise. She believes that Starbird has earned the right to play a significant role in the national fast food market [2]. The appointment of Rivera signals a new chapter for Starbird as it accelerates its national expansion, supported by its investment partners [1].
[1] BusinessWire, "Starbird Appoints Industry Leader Maria Rivera as CEO to Accelerate National Expansion," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250701005273/en/Starbird-Appoints-Industry-Leader-Maria-Rivera-CEO-Accelerate-National-Expansion
[2] QSR Magazine, "Maria Rivera Named CEO of Starbird as Chain Prepares for National Expansion," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/maria-rivera-named-ceo-starbird-chain-prepares-national-expansion
[3] Restaurant Business Online, "Starbird Achieves Double-Digit Growth with Average Unit Volume of $4.3 Million," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/starbird-achieves-double-digit-growth-average-unit-volume-4-3-million
[4] Nation's Restaurant News, "Starbird's Focus on Deep Training Sets it Apart in Fast-Casual Market," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.nrn.com/operations/starbird-focus-deep-training-sets-apart-fast-casual-market
[5] Fast Casual, "Maria Rivera Discusses Her Plans for Starbird's National Expansion," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.fastcasual.com/articles/maria-rivera-discusses-her-plans-for-starbird-s-national-expansion/
[6] Restaurant Hospitality, "Maria Rivera Brings Extensive Executive Experience to Starbird," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.restaurant-hospitality.com/news/maria-rivera-brings-extensive-executive-experience-to-starbird
[7] Restaurant Finance Monitor, "Starbird Secures Investment from KarpReilly and Dollarhyde Investment Group," accessed on July 1, 2025, https://www.restaurantfinancemonitor.com/news/starbird-secures-investment-from-karpreilly-and-dollarhyde-investment-group/
- As an entrepreneurship expert, Maria Rivera will employ her leadership skills to drive Starbird's franchising and finance efforts, aiming for national expansion of the super-premium fast food brand.
- With her background in executive roles in the restaurant industry at Krispy Kreme, Logan's Roadhouse, Darden Restaurants, and Caesar's Entertainment, Rivera brings invaluable experience to Starbird as the company ventures into business development and growth.
- As Starbird expands its presence and develops its franchises, Maria Rivera will emphasize the importance of maintaining quality food and team culture, ensuring the brand's core values remain unchanged during the expansion process.
