Aaron Noveshen

Founder & CEO

Starbird

A graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Aaron Noveshen is a highly accomplished chef, restaurant entrepreneur, and a leading expert in the creation and operation of successful food and beverage brands. He is the Founder & CEO of Starbird, a groundbreaking modern chicken concept that has redefined convenience and quality as the nation’s first super premium fast food restaurant. In addition to his role at Starbird, Aaron is the former Founder & Chairman of The Culinary Edge, an innovative San Francisco-based agency that provides global companies with strategic solutions for food, brand, and operations.

In 2002, with a wealth of experience from his successful restaurants, Aaron founded The Culinary Edge to support fellow restaurant owners and operators. Under Aaron’s guidance, The Culinary Edge has tackled food and beverage innovation challenges for over 20 top-notch restaurant concepts, including Starbucks, Jack in the Box, AMC Theatres, Marriott, First Watch, sweetgreen, and Kerry Foods.

Starbird’s inception in 2016 was envisioned and brought to life by Aaron’s team at The Culinary Edge, aiming to provide people with high-quality, flavorful food at an exceptional value and convenience. Starbird’s unique approach merges the best elements of Fast Food and Fast Casual, creating a new market segment called Super-Premium Fast Food. The brand’s obsession with perfecting crispy chicken has resulted in a gluten-friendly, perfectly crispy chicken that is the foundation for best-in-class sandwiches, salads and tenders. Since its establishment, Starbird has earned national acclaim and now boasts 14 locations across the Bay Area and Southern California.

As an industry leader, Aaron’s influence extends beyond his entrepreneurial ventures. He has been involved in various industry associations, serving as Director of the California Restaurant Association, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, and is the Chairman Emeritus of the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

With his innovative thinking, culinary expertise, and commitment to excellence, Aaron Noveshen continues to leave a profound impact on the world of food and beverage.