Established
1966
Franchise Units
70
Minimum Investment
$419,000
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Total Investment Range
$3,128,000
Home Based
No
Description
Coyote Canyon offers a unique franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a family-style steak buffet restaurant. With a focus on mesquite-grilled steaks, hearty fixins, and a casual, ranch-style atmosphere, Coyote Canyon provides an all-you-care-to-eat dining experience that appeals to a wide range of customers. The brand is part of Stockade Companies, which has been in the restaurant industry since 1966 and operates multiple restaurant concepts across the United States.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Coyote Canyon franchise offers several advantages:
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Established Brand: Benefit from the recognition and reputation of a brand with decades of experience in the restaurant industry.
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Proven Business Model: Leverage a business model that has been refined over time, offering a consistent and high-quality dining experience.
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Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as site selection, construction, operations, and marketing.
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Scalability: The franchise model is designed to be scalable, allowing for potential expansion into multiple locations.
Background
Brand Overview
Coyote Canyon is a casual, family-style steak buffet concept offering an all-you-can-eat dining experience featuring mesquite-grilled steaks, chicken, steakburgers, and a variety of hot and cold buffet items. The brand is part of Stockade Companies, a multi-concept restaurant group based in Round Rock, Texas.
Founding and Expansion
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Stockade Companies was founded in 1966 by William L. Keele in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with the opening of the first Sirloin Stockade restaurant. Over the years, the company expanded its portfolio to include multiple restaurant brands.
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Coyote Canyon was introduced in 1999 as part of Stockade Companies' expansion into the buffet dining segment. The brand aimed to provide a unique dining experience centered around high-quality steaks and a wide variety of buffet offerings.
Ownership and Leadership
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Tom Ford, a lifelong franchisee, became the CEO of Stockade Companies in 2008. He began working for the company on its first day in 1966 as a dishwasher at the debut restaurant in Oklahoma City. Ford worked in additional positions while attending college and later purchased a Sirloin Stockade restaurant in 1979 in the Austin, Texas area. Under his leadership, Stockade Companies has grown into a multi-concept chain.
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Management Team: The management group led by Tom Ford includes Terry Harstad (COO), Steve Schmidt (CFO), and Doug Frieling (Franchisee). Their combined experience and vision continue to influence the company's commitment to providing guests with great value and variety.
Franchise Operations
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Franchise Units: At its peak, Coyote Canyon operated over 70 restaurants across 10 states and Mexico.
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Franchise Model: Coyote Canyon offered franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs interested in operating family-style buffet restaurants. The franchise model included comprehensive support in areas such as site selection, restaurant design, training, and marketing.
Challenges and Transition
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Closure of Locations: In June 2020, the last Coyote Canyon restaurant, located in Bradley, Illinois, closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the end of the brand's operations in the United States.
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Rebranding Efforts: In 2017, Kelly's Coyote Canyon locations in Kansas, including Topeka, were rebranded as the Kansas Buffet Company. This transition was part of a broader effort to refresh the brand's identity and operations.
Current Status
As of now, Coyote Canyon is not actively expanding its franchise network. The brand's focus has shifted towards revitalizing its existing operations and exploring new opportunities within the restaurant industry. Prospective franchisees interested in Coyote Canyon should contact Stockade Companies directly for the most current information on franchise opportunities.
Support Training
Coyote Canyon, a brand under Stockade Companies, offers a comprehensive support and training program designed to equip franchisees with the tools and knowledge necessary for success. This support spans from initial site development to ongoing operational assistance, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations.
Pre-Opening Support
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Site Selection & Design: Assistance in choosing optimal locations and providing prototypical architectural plans for both new constructions and conversions.
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Construction Guidance: Provision of standard specifications and assistance in adapting designs to meet local codes and conditions.
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Permitting & Licensing: Support in navigating the necessary legal and regulatory requirements for opening a new restaurant.
Training Programs
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Managerial Training: An eight-week comprehensive program covering all aspects of restaurant management, including operations, customer service, and staff management.
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Staff Training: On-site training for your team to ensure they are well-versed in the Coyote Canyon service standards and operational procedures.
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Ongoing Education: Continuous access to updated training materials and programs to keep staff skills current and aligned with industry best practices.
Operational Support
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Field Consultant Visits: Regular visits from a dedicated franchise field consultant to assess operations, provide feedback, and assist in resolving any challenges.
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Quality Assurance: Implementation of standardized policies and procedures to maintain consistency and high-quality service across all locations.
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Supply Chain Management: Access to a centralized purchasing system, ensuring top-quality food and paper products at competitive prices.
Marketing & Promotional Assistance
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Grand Opening Support: Guidance in planning and executing a successful grand opening to generate initial customer interest and establish brand presence.
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Advertising Programs: Access to marketing materials and promotional campaigns to drive customer traffic and enhance brand visibility.
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Local Marketing Strategies: Assistance in developing and implementing localized marketing strategies to engage the community and build a loyal customer base.
Continuous Improvement
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Research & Development: Ongoing efforts to test and introduce new products, recipes, and preparation methods to keep the menu fresh and appealing.
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Feedback Mechanisms: Systems in place to gather and analyze customer feedback, allowing for continuous refinement of the dining experience.
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Technology Integration: Implementation of the latest technology solutions to streamline operations and enhance customer service.
Ideal Candidate
Coyote Canyon, as a family-style buffet steakhouse franchise under Stockade Companies, is looking for franchisees who combine business acumen, passion for hospitality, and the financial ability to grow the brand. Here’s a detailed profile:
1. Business Background & Experience
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Preferred Experience: While prior experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry is advantageous, it is not strictly required. Franchisees with strong business management, operations, or multi-unit management experience are also highly suited.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: The ideal candidate is self-motivated, decisive, and willing to take initiative to grow and maintain high standards of operation.
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Leadership Skills: Ability to manage teams effectively, set operational goals, and ensure staff are trained to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
2. Passion & Commitment
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Passion for Food & Hospitality: A genuine interest in the restaurant industry and a commitment to providing memorable dining experiences.
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Customer Focused: Dedication to upholding the family-friendly, casual, and hospitable atmosphere that defines Coyote Canyon.
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Long-Term Investment: Willingness to commit to the franchise as a long-term business, nurturing both growth and brand reputation.
3. Financial Capability
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Investment Readiness: Must meet the financial requirements for franchise fees, initial investment, infrastructure, marketing budget, and working capital. Total investment ranges from $419,000 to $3,128,000.
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Liquidity & Net Worth: Minimum liquid capital of around $185,000 is typically required to ensure operational stability during the first phase of the business.
4. Location & Market Preference
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Community-Oriented: Interested in operating in suburban or family-focused markets with demand for casual buffet dining.
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Site Selection Collaboration: Willing to work with Coyote Canyon’s team to identify optimal locations for customer access and visibility.
5. Personal Attributes
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Operationally Hands-On: Comfortable being actively involved in daily restaurant operations, at least during the initial stages.
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Adaptable & Coachable: Open to following established systems and procedures while being receptive to ongoing training and guidance from the franchisor.
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Strategic Thinker: Able to understand market trends, drive promotions, and identify opportunities for local growth.
Financial Detail
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $419,000 – $3,128,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $185,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Varies by location and size (typically significant portion of total investment) |
| Working Capital | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, management, and market conditions; typically moderate to high |
| Break-even Time | Approximately 2–3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Dine-in buffet sales - Take-out orders - Catering services |
Notes:
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Investment range depends on location, restaurant size, and construction requirements.
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Franchise fee covers the right to use the Coyote Canyon brand, initial training, and support.
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Marketing fee contributes to national and local advertising campaigns to drive traffic.
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Ongoing royalty and marketing fees are based on gross sales.