BOWLIN Travel Centers Reports Financial Results For The First Half of Fiscal Year 2002

Press Release: BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc.
September 14, 2001
ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BWTL) yesterday announced financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2002. For the six-month period ended July 31, 2001, the company reported net sales of $12,792,000 compared to $14,552,000 in the six-month period ended July 31, 2000. Net income for the first half of the fiscal year was $270,000 or $0.06 per basic and diluted share for the six-month period versus net income of $354,000 or $0.08 for the same period in the prior year.

``We are pleased that our operating strategy during the first half of fiscal year 2002 boosted our cash position despite a decrease in net sales that is attributed to the divestiture of travel centers during the period and prior year, and the decrease in retail fuel sales as a result of a slowing economy that impacted highway travel,'' stated Michael L. Bowlin, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Bowlin Travel Centers. ``Off setting the reduction in net sales, the divestiture of travel centers and improvement in operating efficiencies resulted in reduced cost of sales and G&A expenses. Interest expense also decreased with the reduction of debt associated with the travel centers that were sold as well as a decrease in interest rates.

``We have a current ratio of 3.36:1 and a strong cash position. Strengthening our balance sheet and cash reserves will remain our focus through the second half of our fiscal year as we continue to build shareholder value,'' Bowlin concluded.

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.

For Further Information, Contact: Michael L. Bowlin, Chairman of BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc., +1-505-266-5985; or Investor Relations for the Company, Rudy R. Miller, Chairman & CEO of The Miller Group, +1-602-225-0504, for BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc.

     The Following Tables Outline the Company's Financial Results For The
                        Second Quarter of Fiscal 2002.


              Condensed Balance Sheets and Statements of Income

                                BALANCE SHEET


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


     Cash and cash equivalents                        $4,146         $4,043
     Other current assets                              3,664          4,255
       Total Current Assets                            7,810          8,298
     Property & equipment, net                         9,568          9,544
     Other assets                                        522            686
       Total Assets                                  $17,900        $18,528

     Liability and Shareholders' Equity
     Current liabilities                              $2,325         $2,689
     Long-term debt                                    4,938          5,446
     Deferred income taxes                               587            613
       Total Liabilities                               7,850          8,748

     Shareholders' Equity                             10,050          9,780

     Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity      $17,900        $18,528


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


                        CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                                 (Unaudited)
               (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                             THREE MONTHS ENDED         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                   JULY 31,                 JULY 31,

                             2001          2000         2001          2000

     Net sales              $7,132        $7,877      $12,792       $14,552
     Cost of goods sold      4,864         5,361        8,809        10,171
     General and
      administrative
      expenses               1,580         1,776        3,053         3,402
     Depreciation and
      amortization             188           195          384           377

     Management fee income      --            52           --           103
     Income from operations    500           597          546           705
     Interest expense         (107)         (165)        (233)         (318)
     Other non-operating
      income, net               66            74          126           188

     Income before income
      taxes                    459           506          439           575

     Income taxes              175           194          169           221

     Net income               $284          $312         $270          $354

     Earnings per share:
     Basic and diluted       $0.06         $0.07        $0.06         $0.08

     Weighted average
      common shares      4,583,348     4,583,348    4,583,348     4,583,348


SOURCE: BOWLIN Travel Centers, Inc.