Coyote Ugly expands its UK presence

Few franchises can boast about having inspired a movie but Coyote Ugly is one of them. The western-themed bar franchise was founded in 1993 and has since grown across the world. And having set up its first saloon in Cardiff in 2016, the company has now unveiled plans to expand its presence across the UK.

The news comes as Steve Lewis, master franchisee of Coyote Ugly in the UK, has signed a second agreement with the franchisor to open 12 more bars in Britain over the next five years. And if his previous success is anything to go by, the new bars are sure to create quite the buzz. “Customers have been travelling to our Cardiff Coyote Ugly location from all over the UK, Ireland and throughout Europe,” says Lewis. “Many patrons have been disappointed on not being able to book tables or booths as many key dates sell out weeks or months in advance. The perfect answer to this problem is to expand and open other venues throughout the UK.”

And Liverpudlians sure have reason to celebrate as Liverpool has been chosen as the first location for the franchise’s new bars. Given that the chain is famous for its performing bartenders who both dance and sing on the bar, it’s hardly surprising that special care will be given to select only the best staff. That’s why Liliana Lovell, founder of Coyote Ugly, will personally fly in from New York to handpick the new waitresses and bartenders.

Commenting on the expansion, she, said: “It’s thrilling to be opening these international bars. It gives us a chance to learn what makes these amazing cultures special as well as bring the Coyote Ugly culture to the markets. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come from a small but awesome single bar in New York City.”

Having another franchise grow its network across these shores is certainly something we’d drink to.