10/25/2026
Long before I learned to run a restaurant, I learned how to keep going. I don't give up.
I grew up in a rough environment, in a home where abuse was part of life. I had to learn to take care of myself early—emotionally and financially. Before I was a teenager, I was working, buying things I needed, and thinking through responsibilities that no child should have to carry.
I wish those lessons had come another way. But I carried them forward: question things, work hard, take responsibility, and keep moving when the road gets difficult.
At 12 years old, I started washing dishes. The restaurant business gave me something I needed badly: confidence. I could see the connection between my effort and the results. I could learn, contribute, earn trust, and build a future.
That confidence grew into a career, and eventually into NASHBIRD Hot Dang! Chicken.
Resilience, persistence, and grit are fundamentals I bring to this business every day. They shape how I lead, how I solve problems, and how I show up for the people counting on me.
Those are qualities I’m looking for in our franchise partners, too.
You don’t need a background like mine. You do need the willingness to work, learn, accept coaching, take care of your team, and follow through when things get hard.
Restaurants will test you. Building a business takes discipline long after the initial excitement wears off. I understand that responsibility, and I’m committed to working alongside franchisees who understand it, too.
That grit is backed by my education at The Culinary Institute of America of America, Texas State University and years in demanding New York City kitchens, and experience as a Director of Culinary Arts Francis Tuttle Technology Center teaching people how to turn knowledge into consistent ex*****on. As an educator, I learned how to break down complex skills, build confidence, and hold people accountable—experience I bring to training and supporting our franchisees.
My partnership with Kevin Harrington, an original Shark from Shark Tank ABC, adds his entrepreneurial experience, marketing insight, and understanding of how to position businesses for growth. Together, we bring culinary expertise, hands-on operating experience, education, and business strategy to the franchise partners joining NASHBIRD.
If that sounds like you, let’s build something worth the effort.
Explore owning a NASHBIRD: 👉 franchise.nashbirdchicken.com
Chef-Crafted. Bold Flavor.
