Charles Koch

Charles Koch is a dynamic entrepreneur and cultural strategist with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of hospitality, music, and brand strategy. As the co-founder of Chicken + Whiskey, he helped launch one of Washington, D.C.’s top-performing fast-casual concepts on 14th Street NW. His leadership in music programming, brand identity, and community engagement has solidified the establishment as both a neighborhood anchor and a commercial success.

Charles’ career began in the music industry, performing globally as DJ Dirty Hands and sharing stages with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. He has performed for President Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention, produced a remix for Chris Brown via Jive Records, and served as a mentor at the prestigious Red Bull Music Academy. His corporate clientele includes luxury and cultural powerhouses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, NBA, NFL, Ritz-Carlton, and Veuve Clicquot.

Spotting a gap in D.C.’s nightlife ecosystem, Charles used his cultural intuition and entrepreneurial drive to open some of the region’s most memorable venues. In 2006, he launched the iconic Fly Lounge in Washington, D.C., which grossed over $3 million in its first year from just 1,300 sq. ft., later expanding it to Aspen, CO. He then opened Angels Rock Bar in Baltimore and Heist in Dupont Circle—a high-design, immersive nightclub - each infused with experiential storytelling and unmatched social energy.

Beyond his ventures, Charles’ ability to cultivate trusted relationships across government, business, and culture has made him a key advocate for small business owners. He was invited by the President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington to participate in private discussions with Mayor Muriel Bowser on Initiative 82, a policy directly impacting restaurant profitability across the district. His role in these sessions reflects not only his business success, but his deep trust and influence within the local entrepreneurial community.

Across every endeavor, Charles blends visionary experience design with a profound understanding of urban culture and consumer behavior. He builds platforms where community, creativity, and commerce intersect - whether through hospitality, music, or brand partnerships. With a proven ability to turn concepts into high-performing experiences, Charles is a leading voice in experience-driven entrepreneurship.