Opened in the spring of 1993, Coyotes was founded by four friends united by a love of the mountains and a shared passion for fresh, made-from-scratch cuisine. Influenced by the bold flavours of the American Southwest and the Mediterranean, Coyotes quickly became a local favourite for its creative dishes, welcoming, and vibrant atmosphere.
Coyotes was Banff’s first non-smoking restaurant and has always focused on using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. House-baked breads, fresh-squeezed juices, an open concept kitchen, and a commitment to healthy, flavour-forward food define the experience. You won’t find a deep fryer here, just delicious dishes made with care, including vegetarian favourites and ingredients sourced as far away as Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Still locally owned and operated, Coyotes is a Banff institution, voted Best Breakfast three years running in the Rocky Mountain Outlook’s Best of the Bow awards. We also placing among the top for Best Lunch, Best Burger, Best Veggie Burger, Best Service, and Best Use of Local Ingredients. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Coyotes remains Banff’s best-kept secret. Healthy, hearty, and unforgettable.
Coyotes Southwestern Grill Owners
Kathy Johnson
Owner / General Manager
Originally from Toronto, Kathy studied Psychology and Sociology at Queen’s University in Kingston, where she also earned her Bachelor of Education. While in university, she worked as a server, unknowingly laying the foundation for a lifelong career in hospitality.
Kathy first came to Banff in 1993 for a cousin’s wedding and instantly fell in love with the mountains. Captivated by the community and lifestyle, she returned later that year and joined the team at the newly opened Coyotes. Starting in deli prep, she worked her way up to server, then manager, and in 2000 became co-owner. In 2019, Kathy became the proud sole owner and now runs Coyotes with her husband, Lucas.
A passionate skier, biker, hiker, and camper, Kathy embraces mountain life to the fullest. She’s also a dedicated mom of two boys and an active community volunteer. This includes managing sports teams, serving on parent councils, leading fundraisers, school greenhouse projects, and even DJing school dances. For over 30 years, Coyotes has been more than a career for Kathy, it’s been her home, her family, and the heart of her Banff journey.
Lucas Johnson
Co-Owner / Chef
Born and raised in Hantsport, Nova Scotia, Lucas brings more than 30 years of culinary experience to Coyotes. A Red Seal-certified chef, he graduated with honours from the Culinary Institute of Canada in 1998. His passion for both learning and teaching has shaped his deep, versatile knowledge of the culinary arts, honed through years of working in kitchens across Canada.
Lucas joined Coyotes in the fall of 2000 and today co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Kathy. Known for his dedication to scratch cooking and flavour-first dishes, Lucas helps keep the Coyotes kitchen true to its roots while always finding ways to evolve and innovate.
Outside the kitchen, Lucas is a passionate musician and multi-instrumentalist who draws inspiration from both sound and flavour. He is Afro-Métis and proud of the cultural traditions that have shaped his journey. When he’s not cooking or making music, you’ll find him skiing and soaking up the mountain lifestyle that drew him to Banff in the first place.
Award Winning Banff Restaurant
Banff locals love Coyotes Southwestern Grill! We’re proud to be consistently recognized in the Rocky Mountain Outlook’s Best of the Bow Reader’s Choice Awards. Thanks to the ongoing support of our amazing community.
2024
BEST BREAKFAST – 1st Place
BEST LUNCH MENU – 1st Place
BEST VEGGIE BURGER – 2nd Place
BEST TACOS – 2nd Place
2023
BEST BREAKFAST – 1st Place
BEST BRUNCH – 2nd Place
BEST SANDWICH – 3rd Place
BEST USE OF FRESH LOCAL INGREDIENTS – 2nd Place
BEST VEGETARIAN MENU – 2nd Place
2022
BEST BREAKFAST – 1st Place
BEST BRUNCH – 2nd Place
BEST LUNCH MENU – 2nd Place
BEST DINNER MENU – 2nd Place
BEST VEGGIE BURGER – 2nd Place
BEST TACOS – 2nd Place
BEST SERVICE – 2nd Place
BEST GLUTEN FREE MENU – 3rd Place
BEST VEGETARIAN MENU – 3rd Place
Reservations
Click the button below or call us directly. Due to high demand, reservations between 7:30am and 11:00am must be made by phone or email.
Hours
Monday: 8:00am – 9pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 9pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 9pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 9pm
Friday: 8:00am – 10pm
Saturday: 7:30am – 10pm
Sunday: 7:30am – 9pm