About us
At Inspire DHC, we believe life’s too short for bland chicken—or bland business. Founded in 2025 by a bold (and slightly spicy) bunch—Tony, Mookie, Gordon, Al, Davie, and Anne —we came together with one goal: to bring the heat to Virginia, one Dave’s Hot Chicken at a time.
We’re not just winging it. With a passion for crave-worthy flavor and a whole lot of hustle, we’re set to open three Dave’s Hot Chicken locations across Virginia by the end of 2025—and trust us, we’re just getting started.
Our team’s got the perfect blend of bold ideas, crispy execution, and the kind of camaraderie that makes everything taste better. Whether we’re behind the scenes or behind the counter, we’re here to fire things up.
At Inspire DHC, we don’t just serve chicken—we serve up a cluckin’ good time.
Tony Carter
Tony began his journey at Jersey Mike’s, where he developed a passion for the restaurant industry and strong leadership skills. Today, he’s the proud owner and operator of Dave’s Hot Chicken, bringing bold flavors and entrepreneurial drive to every location.
Mookie Golden
Mookie grew up working in restaurants, sparking a lifelong passion for the industry. Today, he owns and operates Jersey Mike’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and multiple other dining concepts.
Gordon Pannill
Gordon entered the restaurant industry with a sharp business mindset and a drive for growth. He now owns Jersey Mike’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and other restaurant concepts.
Meet the founders of Inspire DHC
Almerindo Graziano
Al has opened Jersey Mike’s and is now passionate about expanding Dave’s Hot Chicken across New England. He’s driven by a love for introducing exciting food experiences to new markets.
Davie Wick
Davie operates and oversees development across New England and will play a key role in expanding Dave’s Hot Chicken into Virginia.
Anne Goldman
Anne is passionate about real estate and serves as a trusted expert for Dave’s Hot Chicken. She helps guide site selection and strategy with a keen eye for growth.