Lone Star Liquor Licensing Company, LLC

Gerald Franklin

In Memoriam

Gerald Franklin was the owner and operator of a well known licensing agency, of the same name, from 1967 until selling the company in 2016. Some folks are just not meant to “hang up their spurs” so Mr. Franklin partnered with Keith Coleman to open Lone Star Liquor Licensing Company, LLC in 2020.

Darren “Keith” Coleman

Partner

Keith Coleman is a former police officer and later became the Regional Commander of the Gulf Coast Region of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Mr. Coleman has many years of experience in dealing with liquor licenses from both sides of the fence. He also regularly performs consulting services for several law firms that need expert witness testimony in dram shop cases.

Virgie Martinez

Licensing Agent

After 28 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry, Mrs. Martinez is an expert with wholesale and retail permits. Virgie can assist any Spanish speakers and handles new applications, renewals, tobacco, and lottery licenses. When she is not working hard, she is cheering the Dallas Cowboys to victory!

Jennifer Zermeno

Licensing Agent

Ms. Jennifer has 9 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry and is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is primarily responsible for new wholesale and retail applications. Her expertise is but not limited to tobacco, e-cigarette, bonds, lottery, corporation fillings, concession management agreements and food stamp applications for retailers.

Nicole Ruben

Licensing Agent

Nicole Ruben joined our Lone Star team in 2021 after working in the legal industry for 20 years. She is primarily responsible for TABC renewals, new applications, and private clubs. Ms. Ruben assists with sales tax, corporations, and concession management agreements.

Thuong Ngo

Licensing Agent

Mrs. Thuong has over 20 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry. Thuong speaks both English and Vietnamese. She is responsible for all mixed beverage, beer and wine licenses for restaurants, convenience stores and bars.

Christopher Lemus

Mr. Lemus joined the company in 2024. He has over 30 years of experience in permitting and working with government agencies. He brings his experience in architecture and the hospitality industry to assist in understanding your business’ needs and in expediting your permits and renewals. He can assist our Spanish speakers with their permitting needs.

Christopher Lemus specializes in assisting customers with original and renewal permit applications. Christopher has extensive business experience and is capable of assisting clients in many different areas.

Richard Rivas

Hello, my name is Richard Rivas! A University of Houston graduate with multiple years of hands-on experience in the alcohol industry. I specialize in guiding businesses through the full spectrum of alcohol permit, from manufacturing to retail. Whether you’re just starting your business, or looking to expand, I’m here make the process seamless and straightforward!

Ron Weaver

I'm a long-time native Houstonian who loves our city and all it has to offer.

I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Education and later earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

After forty years of teaching in public schools throughout the Houston area, I was offered an exciting opportunity to transition into a new field with a local alcohol licensing company.

In April 2020, I joined Lone Star Liquor Licensing LLC at its inception, becoming one of the original staff members.

We're a small company with a large reach, serving clients across Texas — from major metropolitan areas to growing cities and towns, and even the most rural communities.

I look forward to assisting new and existing clients, handling renewals, and supporting organizational and administrative tasks within our office.

Most importantly, I truly value working for an ethical company that treats its clients fairly and honestly.

Sara Garcia-Vanegas

Fueled by coffee, deadlines, and a good laugh... Sara Garcia-Vanegas didn’t take the straight path into liquor licensing — and that’s exactly what makes her such an asset to Lone Star Liquor Licensing.

She spent over 20 years in the banking industry, mastering the art of details, deadlines, and keeping complex processes running smoothly. Later, she shifted gears and returned to school while managing a full-time role with Harris County, navigating high-pressure election cycles. It was there she learned that organization and precision aren’t optional — they’re survival skills.

Today, Sara brings that same sharp focus and extensive experience to helping Texas businesses navigate the liquor licensing process with clarity, efficiency, and just the right touch of humor.

  • Manages the company’s social media presence
  • Connects with clients online and in person
  • Serves as the go-to resource for Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation

A recent graduate of the University of Houston–Downtown with a Bachelor’s in Communications, Sara has a talent for breaking down complex TABC rules into plain English, Español, or the occasional witty metaphor — whatever gets the job done and gets clients licensed.

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Lone Star Liquor Licensing
146 Wescott St Suite 100,
Houston, TX. 77007

(713) 239-0321