Southington, Connecticut · Since 1992
Our Story
A 2 Step Above The Rest
Cadillac Ranch has been throwing the party since 1992. It all started with Graham Nicholson — the first to bring karaoke to the United States from Japan. With his wife Bonnie, he opened Starstruck, the oldest karaoke bar in the USA, and grew it to four locations.
Bonnie had a dream to create her own country dance restaurant. Together they built the Cadillac Ranch — and Paula Frohn, who'd been teaching country dance lessons at Starstruck II in Southington, became our very first dance instructor. She's still with us today.
Three decades of country entertainment
The Road So Far
1982
Karaoke Calling
Graham Nicholson visits Japan and discovers karaoke — a spark that would change Connecticut nightlife.
1984
Lake Compounce
Graham opens a karaoke studio at Lake Compounce.
1988
Starstruck
A pioneer of laser karaoke, Starstruck becomes the first laser-karaoke distributor in the United States.
1992
Cadillac Ranch Is Born
The Cadillac Ranch Restaurant is founded — originally in Plainville, CT. Paula Frohn becomes our first dance instructor.
Feb 1997
Judy & Earl Join
Judy, our sales rep at Country 92.5, and Earl become partners in the Cadillac Ranch Restaurant.
Apr 1997
Southington Opens
The new Cadillac Ranch opens in Southington with 15,000 square feet of country entertainment — we added the dance floor and the lower bar.
2004
Pete Takes the Helm
Peter Griffin is hired on as manager.
Feb 2007
Old Thunder Arrives
We add a new mechanical bull, “Old Thunder,” to replace the old bull from Gilley's.
Jul 2021
Back in the Saddle
Cadillac Ranch reopens after the pandemic closure — the dance floor full again.
Jan 2024
New Dynamic Kitchen
Our New Dynamic Kitchen opens, leveling up the food program across the board.
Nov 2024
Wing Fest Champions
We host the Southington Chamber Wing Fest for 500+ guests and take home Most Creative Sauce and Best Tasting Sweet Wing.
2026
Community Honored
Owner Graham Nicholson is named recipient of the Southington Regional Chamber's Gail DePaolo Community Service Award.
The people behind the Ranch
One Big Family
Cadillac Ranch has always been a family affair. Graham and Bonnie dreamed it up, and the crew that keeps the music playing and the floor full has been together for the long haul.
- Graham Nicholson
- Owner & Founder
- Bonnie Nicholson
- Co-Founder
- Earl & Judy
- Partners Since 1997
- Pete Griffin
- Manager Since 2004
2026 Honor
Gail DePaolo Community Service Award
In 2026, owner Graham Nicholson was named recipient of the Southington Regional Chamber of Commerce's Gail DePaolo Community Service Award — a recognition of decades spent giving central Connecticut a place to gather, dance, and celebrate.
It's the kind of honor that belongs to everyone who's ever walked through our doors.
Graham Nicholson, 2026 recipient of the Southington Regional Chamber Gail DePaolo Community Service Award.
There are no strangers, just friends you haven't met!
Come dance, sing, eat, and celebrate with us. Cadillac Ranch is 21+ and always has been — central Connecticut's home for live country music since 1992.
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