Daniel Davis is a member of the 1970 graduating class of DHS. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

In 1981, he and other partners founded Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar, a classic American Grille featuring fresh food prepared daily, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. After becoming established in Bowling Green, Davis and partners developed a structured growth plan that currently includes 15 units in 4 southeastern states.

In 1991, Davis purchased Rafferty’s from his partners, and in 1995, he introduced Montana Grille to the Rafferty’s Inc. family. Having a passion for Big Sky Country, Davis created the Montana Grille Restaurant concept and brought the ‘Big Sky Spirit’ to the south. A single-unit concept, located in Bowling Green, is a fine-dining, dinner-only establishment built to emulate the wide-open western frontier complete with western décor in a Montana-imported log structure.

Davis transitioned the existing Rafferty’s locations into an ESOP (Employee Owned Stock Ownership) entity in 1999.

In 2007, Davis embarked on another new concept, Double Dogs Chow House, a family-friendly sports bar with a unique theme and a freshly prepared menu. The initial location in Bowling Green was followed with a location in Knoxville. Double Dogs Chow House now has 7 locations throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.

With the 3 entities, Davis oversees more than 1,500 employees.

Rafferty’s and Davis have also given back to communities in collaborating with many community organizations through contributions, outreach programs, special events and volunteerism.

Davis has over 10 years as chairman and lead sponsor of the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, and sponsored many charity golf tournaments, local high school and college sporting events, including the Rafferty’s Bowl, a high school football kickoff event.

He also has a big heart when it comes to animals and supports his local animal shelter. His involvement in animal rescue and no-kill shelter initiatives have served to support the domestic animal control challenges many communities face.

Davis has been recognized as his local Jaycees Person of the Year as well as Junior Achievement Person of the Year.