|
Loftin was raised in Roanoke, Va. and attended the University of Georgia from 1985 to 1988. During his junior year at UGA, Loftin and his close friend, Hughes Lowrance, decided to invest $10,000 in an existing convenience store to open a sandwich shop. After three years in the business school, Loftin decided the traditional route was not for him; instead, he left school to fully invest his time and energy into Locos Grill & Pub. Loftin handled the business for three years alone, building a strong foundation in Athens while Lowrance attended law school. He was involved in all aspects of operations including accounting, cooking techniques, food preparation, human resources, marketing and menu development. Today, he leads Locos Grill & Pub's operations and marketing plans, helping the company grow to more than 20 restaurants throughout Alabama and Georgia. In 1996, he received "The Young Entrepreneur of the Year" award for the State of Georgia and Southeastern Region of the United States by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Loftin resides in Athens with his wife, Laurie, and their | 