Coyote Ugly Saloon Owner Joanna Olsen Shares Her Secrets in Achieving Industry Success

The businesses that became successful during the pandemic share two essential characteristics: resilience and risk-taking. These are business attributes that the Coyote Ugly Saloon possesses, and their strong leader, ​​Joanna Danielle Olsen, spearheads the charge toward becoming the best in the industry. 

Coyote Ugly Saloon is a preeminent drinking establishment that offers its clients an out-of-this-world experience. The business has 13 locations across the country, making Coyote Ugly Saloon one of the most well-known bar brands in the United States. Coyote Ugly also has locations in other countries, including Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and the United Kingdom, with more to come in Canada and Mexico.

The original Coyote Ugly Saloon opened its doors in January 1997 and has greatly flourished under the leadership of ​​Joanna Danielle Olsen. The business owner has proven to be a strong force in the food and beverage industry, holding a solid level of resilience no matter what obstacles come her way. Joanna has gained a wealth of life experience and strength over the past 25 years as an entrepreneur. Each new branch has brought challenges she has had to overcome, like weather, demographics, and laws about permitting. Yet, amidst all that, Joanna has kept the bar open, and their services are improving annually.

The unexpected acts of God have been the most difficult challenges for Joanna, and she has had to remain perseverant throughout. Staying positive as a leader has been something the business owner has learned to embrace over the years, from COVID-19 to staffing her bars. She has built a strong core management team that has grown alongside her since the beginning. In fact, Joanna acknowledges that they have played an essential role in their success. One of the leadership qualities that truly distinguishes her from others is her ability to navigate the challenges of being an entrepreneur and business owner, all while ensuring her brand remains relevant, adapts to the times, and takes good care of her over 200 employees.

Joanna earned a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Georgia before working for Atlanta’s top design firm from 1997 to 1999. She then launched her first company, “Paradox,” which combines fashion, art, and music. Following the success of her first business venture and her philanthropic efforts, she was named Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year in 2000. She then expanded her business by partnering with Lil Lovell, opening four Coyote Ugly Saloons in Tampa, Atlanta, and Panama City Beach in record-breaking time. Furthermore, she became her own landlord in 2002 when she purchased a building in Tampa’s Ybor district and turned it into one of the flagship homes of Coyote Ugly Saloon. Soon, the brand will celebrate its 20th anniversary, establishing its dominance in the space.

Joanna has broad industry experience and cares for her people. These two traits have contributed significantly to the company’s overall success and solid reputation. In addition, she takes pride in giving back and being a part of the community. During the peak of the pandemic, when all her bars closed for six months, they distributed Publix gift cards to all their employees. Joanna understands that recognizing her employees’ individual needs and being kind and generous during unexpected life events contribute significantly to the longevity of her business. This is the legacy Joanna wishes to be known for at the end of it all.