Coyote Ugly Saloon Franchise

Liliana “Lil” Lovell developed Coyote Ugly from her experience as a bartender after leaving a Wall Street apprenticeship. Her plan to run her own venue became the original saloon on New York’s First Avenue, which opened on January 27, 1993.

The official location history records expansion to Las Vegas in 2001, New Orleans in 2002 and additional U.S. cities in the years that followed. Film and television exposure also became part of the brand’s public identity.

Its franchise story describes an international program for selected non-U.S. territories. Existing American venues and international franchise recruitment are distinct parts of that development; the public program does not establish that a new U.S. territory is available.

The official franchise FAQ describes training at a corporate U.S. venue. Participants learn both the performance side of the concept, including choreographed routines, and back-of-house tasks such as inventory and bookkeeping.

The training team also travels to the new venue to assist with staff selection and preparation before the grand opening. Published franchise resources include employee training, design and brand guidance, and development assistance.

The company describes working alongside franchise partners as they develop their markets. Local owners lead recruitment, retention, customer service and venue management, making experienced hospitality leadership an important part of the model.

Coyote Ugly offers a distinctive nightlife identity that places the staff and entertainment at the heart of the customer experience. For an established hospitality operator, the opportunity is to translate that identity into a well-run local venue with a cohesive team.

The brand’s published qualifications emphasize food-and-beverage experience, local ties and hands-on leadership. It is a model for buyers who enjoy the practical work of managing people and service in a busy bar environment.

Explore the operating model in our Coyote Ugly Saloon history and ownership guide.