TAMPA, Fla. — As Tampa continues to grow and change, there's one Ybor City bar that's stayed the same for 21 years, Coyote Ugly Saloon.
You may have seen the movie based on the famous franchise that started in New York City. Now it's time to meet the woman behind that Tampa location.
"I went to New York and walked in the bar Coyote Ugly and absolutely fell in love with the concept and was asked to get on the bar and do a shot," Joanna Olsen said.
She was in her early 20s at the time.
"So right away I said I want to put a Coyote Ugly in Ybor City on that main, amazing strip of 7th Avenue," she said.
Since then she's opened 3 other locations in Florida and says her secret, in what some say is a risky business, is buying the building.
"Owning your building has been a substantial part of this historical area and keeping its integrity throughout the years," she said. "And really putting a lot into and making some changes, but keeping the nostalgia of the area and the brand itself I think has made our success."
And Joanna knows the value of giving back to the community.
"Because the community gives me so much to have a flourishing business here, so I love to give back," she said. "Whether that's through Feeding Tampa Bay, Clothes to Kids or Thorn Ministries going out, boots on the ground. Getting people what they need in the community is so important."
Joanna says it's taken a lot of hard work and grit to keep her bars successful, but it's worth it.
"My goal as an entrepreneur was to make money, give back to the community, take care of my family and future family and travel and have freedom. So fortunately that has all worked out."
Coyote Ugly is having a huge celebration for its 21st year in business. It starts in the afternoon on Saturday, May 18. Joanna promises some big surprises including some celebrities.