Cafe Coyote Owners

Lehn Goetz

Lehn Goetz co-founded Café Coyote upstairs in the Old Town Esplanade19 years ago with her husband and business partner Richard Goetz. The building then was 25% occupied and at the south end of Old Town. The area lacked foot traffic and a cohesive marketing plan. Lehn was instrumental in Marketing the south end of Old Town and forming a Business Improvement District for Old Town. Café Coyote originally was a 70 seat Southwest Restaurant and has now grown into a 500 seat Traditional Mexican Food Restaurant. Café Coyote has won the prestige’s Gold Medallion Award for best Mexican 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

A cornerstone to Lehn’s success has been a personal philosophy that empowers managers and staff while giving them an opportunity for professional and personal growth. She takes great pride in having employees who have been with Café Coyote since inception and who started out at entry level positions and now fill key management roles.

Lehn has also been instrumental in leading the development of the Marketing and Membership Committee for the San Diego chapter of the CRA as well as an active member of the Executive Board for the last 3 years. Current President of the California Restaurant Association San Diego Chapter. Winner of Restauranteur of the Year 2008.

Personal Philosophy

Founding member Old Town Business Improvement District, President Old Town Chamber of Commerce 1994-96, Founder and President Old Town Historic Community Foundation 2005, 2006 & 2007 (Foundation that runs One of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States)

Board of Directors California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego County chapter

Board Member Convis 2006, 2007 & 2008.

Richard Goetz

Richard Goetz landed in San Diego from Harlem, New York as a Naval Officer.  After a distinguished naval career that included Captaining a Swift Boat on the Rivers of Vietnam, he entered the investment business with a Major Wall Street Firm.  Within five years he founded his own investment firm.  He purchased the future location of Café Coyote in October 1988 out of a 2 year foreclosure.  In August 1989, he launched Café Coyote with his future wife, Lehn.  “We spent the next 3 years working 7 days a week while living in a small apartment above the restaurant to ensure Café Coyote’s success.  After that challenging period, I knew I had found my life time partner.  Although, no longer involved in the “day-to-day” management of the restaurant, I still enjoy working with the management and staff to help them achieve their professional and personal goals.  I am most proud of how many hard working employees have remained with us over these past 20 years and how many loyal, happy customers we have earned.  Both have been essential to our success.”