BOWLIN Travel Centers Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2002

Press Release: BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc.
December 13, 2001
ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BWTL.OB) yesterday reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002. For the nine-month period ended October 31, 2001, the company reported net sales of $18,345,000 compared to $20,929,000 in the nine-month period ended October 31, 2000. Net income for the first nine-months of the fiscal year was $241,000 or $0.05 per basic and diluted share versus net income of $280,000 or $0.06 per basic and diluted share for the same period in the prior year.

Michael L. Bowlin, Bowlin Travel Centers' chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, ``The downturn in gasoline prices during our third quarter significantly affected fuel sales. Highway travel in our markets is consistent with prior periods, and inside travel center store sales remained healthy despite the changing economic climate during the quarter that was intensified by the events of September 11th.''

``Our basic business platform is performing well. We have reduced G&A expense with improved operating efficiencies and interest expense has decreased as a result of the reduction in interest rates,'' Bowlin continued. ``We will continue to execute our successful business strategy that will maximize cash reserves and maintain our strong balance sheet. We expect the fourth quarter will perform well even in the challenging economic conditions that exist.''

The Company operates travel centers strategically located on major interstate highways that utilize co-branding agreements with national companies. The Company's current operations are located in the Southwestern United States.

Certain statements contained herein with respect to factors which may affect future earnings, including management's beliefs and assumptions based on information currently available, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements that are not historical facts involve risks and uncertainties, and results could vary materially from the descriptions contained herein. For more details on risk factors, see the company's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     The following tables outline the company's financial results for the
                        third quarter of fiscal 2002.

              Condensed Balance Sheets and Statements of Income


                                BALANCE SHEET

    (in thousands)
                                                 October 31,    January 31,
                                                     2001           2001
                                                 (Unaudited)

    Cash and cash equivalents                       $3,995         $4,043

    Other current assets                             3,627          4,255

        Total Current Assets                         7,622          8,298

    Property & equipment, net                        9,448          9,544

    Other assets                                       516            686

        Total Assets                               $17,586        $18,528


    Liability and Shareholders' Equity

    Current liabilities                             $2,270         $2,689

    Long-term debt                                   4,709          5,446

    Deferred income taxes                              586            613

        Total Liabilities                            7,565          8,748

    Shareholders' Equity                            10,021          9,780

        Total Liabilities and
         Shareholders' Equity                      $17,586        $18,528


  The following table outlines the Company's financial results for the third
                           quarter of fiscal 2002.


                        CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                 (Unaudited)
               (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                              THREE MONTHS ENDED         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                 OCTOBER 31,                OCTOBER 31,
                              2001          2000         2001          2000

    Net sales               $5,553        $6,378      $18,345       $20,929

    Cost of goods sold       3,859         4,481       12,668        14,653

    General and
     administrative
     expenses                1,542         1,723        4,595         5,126

    Depreciation and
     amortization              185           213          569           590

    Management fee income       --            57           --           161

    Operating (loss) income    (33)           18          513           721

    Interest expense           (93)         (152)        (326)         (471)

    Other non-operating
     income, net                80            19          206           208

    Income (loss) before
     income taxes              (46)         (115)         393           458

    Income taxes               (17)          (43)         152           178

    Net (loss) income         $(29)         $(72)        $241          $280

    Earnings per share:
      Basic and diluted     $(0.01)       $(0.02)       $0.05         $0.06

      Weighted average
       common shares
       outstanding       4,583,348     4,400,041    4,583,348     4,390,312




For Further Information Contact: Michael L. Bowlin, Chairman, (505) 266-5985; or Rudy R. Miller, Chairman & CEO, The Miller Group, Investor Relations for the Company, (602) 225-0504

SOURCE: BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc.