Franchise Times Feature: Our Secret Sauce Is People

At Rise Up Restaurants, we believe success is built one moment, one meal, and one team member at a time. That’s why we’re honored to be featured in the latest issue of Franchise Times, recognized as one of the top-performing Wingstop operators in the country.

The article, “How This Top Operator Delivers Wingstop’s Special Sauce,” shines a well-deserved spotlight on Charles Loflin, CEO of Rise Up Restaurants. From starting with just one Wingstop location in 1998, Charles has grown Rise Up Restaurants into a powerhouse operating over 160 locations across Texas, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico. His leadership is defined by a hands-on approach and an unwavering commitment to a people-first culture that fuels operational excellence.

Charles leads with hands in the kitchen and heart in the people. As he says,

“The secret to our success? It’s no secret at all. It’s our people.”

That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from rigorous leadership development and training programs to initiatives like Cooking Up Hope, our internal fund providing emergency assistance to team members facing hardship. This approach creates a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best every day.

Growth With Purpose

While Rise Up Restaurant’s footprint and Wingstop sales topped $320 million in 2024, we’re focused on more than just numbers. Charles leads with the belief that sustainable growth comes from smart, careful expansion and deep investment in people. Staying close to the kitchen and maintaining high food quality and operational standards are priorities that keep the brand strong in a competitive market.

Unlike franchisees driven solely by rapid expansion, Rise Up takes a thoughtful approach by turning down opportunities that don’t fit the culture or long-term vision. It’s a strategy rooted in responsibility, integrity, and the goal of building a legacy that lasts.

More Than Restaurants — Building Futures

For us, Rise Up is more than a restaurant group. It’s a community. A familia. A place where team members are supported not only as employees but as people with lives, dreams, and challenges.

Whether you’re stepping into one of our restaurants or growing your career with us, our commitment remains clear: to create a culture of champions in work and in life so we can rise up personally and professionally together as a team.

👉 Read the full Franchise Times article here:

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Thank you to our teams, partners, and communities for rising up with us!