Starbird Taps Former Jersey Mike's President as Board Advisor

Hoyt Jones joins the premium chicken brand to guide franchise expansion strategy.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a polished, geometric metal chicken sculpture in warm, earthy tones, representing Starbird's commitment to premium quality and operational discipline as it expands its franchise network.Starbird's appointment of franchise veteran Hoyt Jones signals the brand's focus on operational excellence and disciplined growth as it scales its premium chicken concept nationwide.San Francisco Today

Starbird, the San Francisco-based premium chicken concept, has appointed industry veteran Hoyt Jones as an advisor to the board of directors. Jones, the former president of Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, will provide strategic counsel to Starbird's leadership team on franchise development, operational discipline, and long-term scalability as the brand accelerates its national franchising efforts.

Why it matters

Starbird's appointment of Hoyt Jones, an experienced franchise executive, signals the brand's commitment to disciplined growth and operational excellence as it expands beyond its California roots. Jones' expertise in guiding multi-unit franchise networks will be crucial in translating Starbird's brand strategy into consistent in-restaurant execution across new markets.

The details

In his new role as an advisor to Starbird's board, Jones will leverage his experience from his tenure as president of Jersey Mike's, where he helped drive significant franchise expansion and operational alignment. At Starbird, he will provide strategic counsel to the leadership team on franchise development, operational discipline, and long-term scalability as the brand enters new markets while protecting its brand integrity and standards.

  • Starbird was founded in San Francisco in 2016.
  • Starbird recently signed a 36-unit franchise development agreement in Texas, its largest to date.

The players

Hoyt Jones

An industry veteran who previously served as president of Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc., where he helped guide franchise development, operational alignment, and national expansion.

Greg Levin

The chief executive officer of Starbird, who recently joined the company to strengthen its leadership team as it builds its national franchise platform.

Aaron Noveshen

The restaurant entrepreneur who founded Starbird through his firm, The Culinary Edge, with a vision to bring higher-quality food and thoughtful hospitality to quick-service dining.

Starbird

A super-premium fast food brand serving Positively Delicious Chicken® through a modern, thoughtfully designed dining experience that blends hospitality, culinary craft, and a smart use of technology.

Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc.

A successful restaurant franchise system that experienced significant growth and industry recognition during Hoyt Jones' tenure as president.

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What they’re saying

“Hoyt brings a rare combination of franchise, marketing and brand-building expertise that will help shape Starbird's next chapter. His experience helping build one of the country's most disciplined multi-unit restaurant brands will be invaluable as we enter new markets while protecting the standards and brand integrity that define Starbird.”

— Greg Levin, Chief Executive Officer, Starbird

“Starbird has built a compelling brand and a strong operational foundation. I'm excited to support the board and leadership team as the company continues developing a franchise platform designed for sustainable, scalable growth.”

— Hoyt Jones, Advisor to the Board, Starbird

What’s next

Starbird plans to continue its national franchise expansion, with a focus on maintaining operational excellence and brand integrity as it enters new markets.

The takeaway

Starbird's appointment of industry veteran Hoyt Jones as a board advisor underscores the brand's commitment to disciplined growth and operational excellence as it scales its premium chicken concept across the country. Jones' expertise in guiding successful multi-unit franchise networks will be crucial in translating Starbird's brand strategy into consistent in-restaurant execution.