Houston Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack in Houston's alcohol sales for November 2025 is Aramark Sports & Entertainment Services at 8355 Kirby Dr, with total receipts of over $2 million. This location, situated near the NRG Stadium, excels in liquor sales, raking in more than $1.18 million, followed closely by beer sales at $708,237. It's a prime example of how sports and entertainment venues dominate the market.

Coming in second is Levy Restaurants at Toyota Center, with total receipts of $1.56 million. This downtown hotspot sees a strong demand for liquor, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its sales. The Toyota Center's position as a central entertainment hub undoubtedly contributes to its impressive figures.

Notable Trends and Insights

The Post Oak/Mastro's/Willie G's at 1600 West Loop S is a standout with a unique profile, relying heavily on wine sales which make up nearly half of its total receipts. This indicates a preference for upscale dining experiences in this area, where wine is a significant draw for patrons.

Another interesting player is Vida Garden/Pick Your Poison at 2300 Louisiana St, which shows a significant skew towards liquor, comprising over 89% of its sales. Their strategy clearly emphasizes strong, premium liquor options over beer and wine.

Emerging Opportunities

Kirby Ice House makes multiple appearances in the top 25, highlighting its strong brand presence across different locations in Houston. With three spots in the list, it indicates a successful model that balances liquor, wine, and beer offerings effectively.

It's worth noting the performance of Sante on Richmond Ave, which shows a heavy preference for liquor sales, comprising nearly the entirety of its revenue. This could suggest an opportunity for bars and lounges focusing on craft cocktails and premium spirits.

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

When it comes to alcohol sales, Houston's 77002 and 77006 zip codes are leading the pack, each surpassing $11 million in sales. These areas are bustling with establishments, counting 182 and 138 respectively, making them prime locations for those looking to tap into the alcohol market. The focus in these areas is predominantly on liquor, with a significant portion of sales dedicated to it.

Differences in Alcohol Preferences

Interestingly, the preference for types of alcohol varies across different zip codes. While liquor is the dominant choice in most areas, zip code 77024 shows a notable inclination towards wine, which makes up 33% of its sales. Meanwhile, zip code 77032 has a higher demand for beer, with 34% of sales, suggesting that businesses in these areas may benefit from catering to these specific tastes.

Opportunities for New Establishments

For entrepreneurs looking to establish new ventures, zip codes with fewer establishments but high sales potential, such as 77054 and 77032, present interesting opportunities. These areas have only 19 and 64 establishments respectively, yet they generate over $4 million in sales each. This indicates a robust market demand that could support additional businesses.

Insights and Patterns

One of the intriguing patterns observed is the significant variance in sales density across Houston. For instance, zip code 77048 has no recorded sales despite having establishments, which may suggest untapped potential or operational challenges. Additionally, areas like 77002 and 77006, with high sales and establishment density, indicate a competitive but potentially lucrative environment for alcohol businesses.

Overview of Sales Trends

Over the past year, Houston's alcohol sales have shown intriguing fluctuations, with the peak observed in December 2024. Total receipts in December hit a high of $149.6 million, driven by robust sales across liquor, wine, and beer. This suggests a seasonal trend where holiday festivities significantly boost alcohol consumption.

Monthly Sales Dynamics

While December witnessed the highest sales, the subsequent months presented a notable decline, especially in January 2025, where total receipts dropped to $111.5 million—a substantial 25.46% decrease. This post-holiday dip is typical as consumers recover from holiday spending. By March, sales bounced back sharply with a 24.19% increase, suggesting a possible correlation with events like spring break.

Mixed Sales Composition

Throughout the year, liquor consistently led the sales mix, often doubling the revenue of wine and beer. For instance, in November 2025, liquor sales were at $75 million compared to wine’s $21.5 million and beer’s $24.6 million. However, beer saw a significant spike in March 2025, reaching over $33 million, likely driven by social events and warmer weather.

Market Changes and Establishments

The number of establishments showed a slight decline from October to November 2025, dropping by 0.75%. Despite this, the annual trend saw occasional upticks, such as a 12.49% leap in April 2025, possibly reflecting new market entries or expansions. This ebb and flow indicate a dynamic market adapting to consumer demands and economic conditions.

Implications for the Industry

The data suggests that understanding seasonal trends and consumer preferences is crucial for businesses. The significant variations in sales highlight the importance of strategic planning around peak seasons. Additionally, the dominance of liquor sales suggests potential for growth in wine and beer offerings to capture a broader consumer base.