STARBIRD CHICKEN: SUNNYVALE

Starbird Chicken is the first of a chain of super-premium fast food chicken restaurants, debuting in Sunnyvale, CA at the site of a former 70’s era Pizza Hut. Working with our friends and clients at The Culinary Edge, zero ten design developed the design vision for both the interior and exterior, with the goal of re-imagining fast food for the modern era, in a warm and inviting environment that captures the essence of the brand’s tagline, ”positively delicious chicken.”

STORY

To achieve this, we first had to remove the defining elements of the Pizza Hit façade, i.e., the iconic’ hut’ roof and its trapezoidal windows, replacing them with an entirely new roof expression composed of vertical cedar slats, a bright white canopy with deep yellow overhangs–all floating delicately over walls of perimeter glazing. The effect is one of timeless fast food diners, yet modern in its materiality and color.
We worked a great deal with the Culinary edge to accommodate their desire to have a variety of seating types inside and out, punctuated by an 18’-0” long custom white oak and steel table,reminding the guests of the celebratory nature of the dining experience. This table has proven to be the preferred spot for both groups and individuals alike.
As a playful nod to farm heritage of the chicken and the egg, we subtly introduced a chicken wire hexagonal pattern in the interior detailing and flooring, and made use of wood fencing and natural woods throughout. Bright pops of Starbird’s signature yellow in both wall treatments and furnishings keep the crisp modern lines from feeling too stark. Pendant lights reminiscent of eggshells light each table and a farmhouse-styled order counter continue to reinforce the brand’s essence.
This first location sets the tone for future Starbirds, slated to roll out along the West Coast beginning here in the Bay Area in 2017. Zero ten design actively considered its material palette, colors and trade dress to continue through as signature elements for the new designs.
Accolades
-2017 Breakout Brands: Nation’s Restaurant News

STARBIRD CHICKEN- SUNNYVALE
Location: 1241 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Size: 1,800 square feet (interior), 560 square feet (exterior)
Completion: Summer 2016
photo credits: Chris Schmauch: GoodEye Photography

Date

2016

Size

1800 SF

Location

Sunnyvale CA