Starbird to open first Denver location this summer

A California chicken chain called Starbird plans to open its first location in Denver this summer. The new restaurant will be located at 965 S. Colorado Blvd. Starbird is working with a franchisee group led by Daniel Wagner. His group, Whiplash Holdings, has a deal to bring seven Starbird restaurants to the Denver area. Wagner, who previously worked with a local chicken chain, aims to expand even further if the initial stores do well. He mentioned neighborhoods like Highlands and Westminster as potential future sites. The new location has a 10-year lease for a space of 2,435 square feet, sharing the building with Einstein Bros. Bagels. This will be Starbird's first restaurant outside California, where it currently operates 17 locations. The chain also has plans for stores in Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Washington state. Starbird, founded in 2016, offers antibiotic-free chicken items, including sandwiches and salads. Wagner highlighted the chain's community involvement, stating they plan to support local organizations such as the Denver Children’s Foundation and school programs. He believes that families in Denver will appreciate the brand’s offerings.