Maria Rivera Assumes CEO Role at Starbird Corporation
Maria Rivera, a seasoned executive with a background in franchise growth, has been appointed as the new CEO of Starbird, a super-premium fast food chain specializing in chicken dishes. Rivera's appointment signals a new chapter for the chain as it accelerates its national expansion.
Rivera takes over from founder Aaron Noveshen, who will transition fully to his role as chairman of the board. Noveshen's culinary expertise is seen as a great match with Rivera's focus on franchise growth.
Starbird, with its 18 existing units, is preparing to open its first franchised location in Denver as part of its national growth strategy. The chain has more than 30 franchise locations in development, providing a solid foundation for Rivera's aggressive expansion goals.
Rivera brings two decades of executive experience from brands such as Krispy Kreme, Logan’s Roadhouse, Darden Restaurants, Caesar’s Entertainment, and recently Smalls Sliders, where she led franchise-driven growth and brand evolution.
Rivera emphasizes "scaling brands with heart," building exceptional teams, and disciplined growth, signaling a transformative approach to expand Starbird's footprint while maintaining brand values. The brand recently posted strong sales growth and high unit volumes, further bolstering Rivera's expansion plans.
Starbird units are averaging $4.3 million, and the chain is backed by private-equity firms KarpReilly and Dollarhyde Investment Group, led by industry veteran Greg Dollarhyde. Rivera has also joined Starbird's board.
Rivera's leadership will focus on doubling growth through franchise development and entering new geographic markets nationally, leveraging her extensive industry expertise and strategic partnerships to scale Starbird's presence in the competitive fast-casual landscape.
While no new information about strategic growth plans was provided in the interview, it is clear that Rivera plans to bring new capabilities to Starbird's team for national expansion. Starbird has earned the right to play in the national market, and under Rivera's leadership, it is poised to make a significant impact.
[1] PR Newswire. (2022, August 1). Starbird Chicken Announces Maria Rivera as New CEO to Double Company and Franchise Growth and Accelerate National Expansion. PR Newswire.
[2] Nation's Restaurant News. (2022, August 1). Maria Rivera Named CEO of Starbird Chicken. Nation's Restaurant News.
[3] QSR Magazine. (2022, August 1). Starbird Chicken Appoints Maria Rivera as New CEO. QSR Magazine.
[4] Smalls Sliders. (2022). About Us. Smalls Sliders.
[5] Restaurant Business Online. (2022, August 1). Starbird Chicken Names Maria Rivera as New CEO. Restaurant Business Online.
- As the new CEO of Starbird, Maria Rivera, with her background in franchise growth and industry leadership, seeks to double the company's growth and expand its national presence, leveraging strategic partnerships to scale Starbird's influence in the competitive fast-casual sector.
- Rivera, an accomplished executive, will focus on franchising as a key growth strategy for Starbird, building on the chain's existing 18 units and more than 30 in development, with the aim of establishing a new franchised location in Denver and entering new markets nationally.
- Armed with extensive finance and entrepreneurship experience from top names in the restaurant industry and a commitment to scaling brands with heart, Rivera intends to bolster Starbird's position in the market, capitalizing on the chain's recent sales growth and high unit volumes while upholding its brand values.
