The fast-casual chicken brand has appointed a restaurant industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience to oversee company and franchise development as it pursues national expansion.
- Starbird appoints John Phillips as Chief Development Officer.
- Phillips brings experience from The Habit Burger Grill and Burger King.
- Expansion through new restaurant openings and franchise agreements.
Starbird has brought in a restaurant industry veteran to help build its next chapter of growth. The fast-casual chicken brand has appointed John Phillips as chief development officer, adding nearly three decades of experience in restaurant operations, franchise development and business partnerships to its leadership team. The appointment comes as Starbird looks to expand through new restaurant openings and strategic franchise agreements.
Phillips most recently served as Chief Global Business Partnership Officer at The Habit Burger Grill, where he helped develop domestic and international growth opportunities. His career also includes experience with Burger King and El Pollo Loco, giving him a background in restaurant development, franchise relationships and market expansion. Starbird is expected to draw on that experience as it pursues opportunities in new territories.
In his new role, Phillips will oversee company and franchise development, including market planning, real estate development, franchise recruitment and relationships with existing franchise partners. He will also help manage the brand’s restaurant development pipeline. Starbird CEO Greg Levin said Phillips brings valuable industry experience and relationships that can support the company’s expansion while maintaining its focus on operational execution and guest experience.
The appointment follows several leadership additions as Starbird builds its management team for growth. Levin joined as CEO, Stefanie Lee was named Chief Financial Officer, and Jonathan Zacks took on the role of Vice President of Marketing. The company has also brought in former Jersey Mike’s President Hoyt Jones as an Advisor to its Board of Directors. These appointments add experience across development, finance, marketing and strategic leadership.
Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Starbird has built its reputation around a fast-casual menu centered on chicken, including its signature sandwiches, tenders and salads. As the company pursues a broader footprint, finding qualified franchise partners and supporting their development will be important to its expansion strategy. The Recruitment feature available through Gorilla Dash can help franchise businesses organize candidate information and coordinate recruitment processes as their networks grow. Phillips’ appointment signals Starbird’s focus on building the leadership capacity needed to turn its expansion ambitions into a larger restaurant presence.
Key Facts:
| John Phillips Appointment | John Phillips joins Starbird as Chief Development Officer with nearly 30 years of industry experience. |
|---|---|
| Previous Roles | Phillips previously worked as Chief Global Business Partnership Officer at The Habit Burger Grill. |
| Starbird's Expansion | The company plans to expand its footprint with new restaurant openings and franchise agreements. |
| Leadership Team | The team includes CEO Greg Levin, CFO Stefanie Lee, and VP Marketing Jonathan Zacks. |
| Franchise Expertise | Phillips is tasked with franchise recruitment and strengthening existing franchise partner relationships. |
| Industry Background | Phillips has experience with brands like Burger King and El Pollo Loco. |
| Hoyt Jones' Role | Hoyt Jones, former Jersey Mike's president, serves as an advisor to Starbird's board. |
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