Charles Loflin, owner/operator of two Wingstop stores in San Antonio, Texas, will be presented with the 2000 Franchisee of the Year Award at the 41st annual International Franchise Association Convention. The convention will take place February 24-27 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. PepsiCo, Inc. sponsors the contest, which recognizes exceptional franchisees that have done an outstanding job in the past year of building their business. Loflin will be honored at the General Session meeting on Monday, February 26 at the convention and will receive the Franny Award, the Oscar of franchising.

Charles Loflin, originally from Dallas, Texas, opened the first Wingstop store in San Antonio, Texas August 1998. Previously, a general manager for Holiday Inn Select, he has 15 years experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. “I was actually a customer of Wingstop’s and tried to duplicate the wing flavors on my own,” said Loflin. “Once I found out they were offering franchises, I was 100% on board.” Loflin’s second San Antonio Wingstop recently opened January 8. He also has committed to opening two additional stores in San Antonio and one in Las Cruces, New Mexico, bringing his store total to five.

“Charles has created a strong presence for our stores in the San Antonio area. The San Antonio store, 502 Embassy Oaks, Suite 126, is now the second highest grossing store in sales only to the original corporate store in Garland, Texas ,” said Jim Deering, president of Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. “He has a great attitude and possesses a strong focus and belief in the core operating system and implementing it to the highest standard.” “It is always an honor to be recognized for what you do among your peers and people that you respect,” said Loflin.