Colorado-born craft chicken brand marks major milestone with Starkville opening, set for additional franchise expansion in Colorado, Idaho, and Indiana.
Denver, CO (Restaurant News Release) Birdcall – the Colorado-born franchise known for its naturally superior chicken, award-winning sandwiches, and elevated guest experience – has officially opened its first-ever franchise location in Starkville, Mississippi, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing national expansion.
The 3,500-square-foot restaurant is located adjacent to the city’s historic State Theatre, bringing new life to one of Starkville’s most iconic buildings. It is owned and operated by brothers Mark and Greg Hayden, whose combined experience in construction, retail, and restaurant franchising make them the perfect franchise partners to bring Birdcall to the Starkville community.
“Starkville has been an incredible community to work with, and we’re thrilled to officially open our doors and celebrate this milestone with the community,” said Mark Hayden. “Greg and I have put a lot of thought into creating a restaurant that feels right at home in downtown Starkville, and we’re excited to welcome our neighbors, friends, and families to experience Birdcall.”
Birdcall CEO Mark Lohmann added, “After building Birdcall over the last nine years, it’s an incredible milestone to open our first franchise location with Mark and Greg. We couldn’t have asked for better partners to get us here. Starkville is a fitting place to begin, and we’re looking forward to building on this together.”
A New Destination for Chicken Lovers
Like every Birdcall restaurant, the Starkville location features a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere with a vibrant interior, bold artwork and self-serve ordering kiosks designed to make the guest experience seamless and fun.
The made-to-order menu is highlighted by eight award-winning chicken sandwiches, sliders, hand-cut tenders, gluten-free nuggets, and chef-inspired salads, complemented by a variety of sides such as fries, tater tots, loaded tots, and coleslaw. Guests can also choose from a variety of house-made sauces and dressings.
The restaurant also offers draft beer and house-made margaritas.
“The Birdcall franchise is changing the fast-casual game with incredible food, bold design, and a guest experience that truly stands out,” said Greg. “Mark and I are thrilled to officially open in Starkville and become part of the community. We’re looking forward to creating a place where people can come together, enjoy great food, and have a good time.”
Birdcall Accelerates Franchise Expansion
The Starkville opening represents an important step in Birdcall’s broader franchise growth strategy and marks the brand’s first franchise-operated restaurant. Birdcall currently operates 18 restaurants across Colorado, Arizona, Texas, and Mississippi, with more than 20 additional locations in various stages of development.
The company’s franchise expansion is expected to continue later this year, with two additional locations anticipated to open in Boise, Idaho, and Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Birdcall also recently signed a multi-unit franchise agreement for the development of five restaurants in the Indianapolis metro area, marking the brand’s entry into the Midwest.
As momentum continues to build, Birdcall aims to grow to as many as 200 locations nationwide by the end of 2028.
With average unit volumes of approximately $2.3 million and a $50,000 franchise fee, the total investment to open a 2,300-square-foot Birdcall restaurant – which typically seats approximately 125-150 guests and employs about 25 people – starts at approximately $762,000.
For more information about Birdcall, visit EatBirdcall.com.