Nestled in the heart of Texas, Hays stands as a vibrant community, blending the charm of small-town living with the dynamism of a growing urban area. Its strategic location, just a stone's throw from bustling cities like Austin and San Antonio, positions it as a significant player in the region's economic landscape. Among its many facets, the alcohol sales market in Hays offers intriguing insights into local consumer behavior and business trends.
This article presents a data-driven analysis of alcohol sales in Hays, shedding light on the businesses and areas that drive this segment of the market. In the first section, readers will discover a meticulously curated table that ranks the top alcohol-selling establishments, accompanied by an analysis of what sets these venues apart. The following section delves into zip code-specific sales data, revealing which neighborhoods boast the highest concentrations of alcohol purchases.
To round off the exploration, a monthly trends analysis will trace the ebb and flow of alcohol sales over the past year, highlighting seasonal patterns and economic influences. Whether you're a business owner, a resident, or simply curious about the local economy, this detailed report offers a comprehensive view of Hays's alcohol sales landscape as of April 2025.
Top 25 Hays Businesses By April 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
Peak Beverage Texas LLC
|
$273,735 |
$130,594
|
$66,731
|
$76,410
|
2. |
Hays City Store
|
$237,406 |
$168,219
|
$10,981
|
$58,206
|
3. |
Camp Lucy
|
$191,756 |
$82,192
|
$79,134
|
$30,430
|
4. |
Zelicks
|
$188,777 |
$124,697
|
$1,229
|
$62,851
|
5. |
Chimy's San Marcos
|
$157,052 |
$121,272
|
$0
|
$35,780
|
6. |
Railhouse
|
$156,226 |
$88,369
|
$124
|
$67,733
|
7. |
Twin Peaks
|
$152,947 |
$58,747
|
$989
|
$93,211
|
8. |
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
|
$144,920 |
$109,649
|
$61
|
$35,210
|
9. |
Maverick's Dance Hall
|
$143,031 |
$90,908
|
$468
|
$51,655
|
10. |
Whiskey Ridge
|
$136,767 |
$94,275
|
$27,949
|
$14,543
|
11. |
Nate's at Buda Mill and Grain, Inc.
|
$134,114 |
$82,505
|
$7,388
|
$44,221
|
12. |
Trattoria Lisina
|
$121,944 |
$42,550
|
$74,396
|
$4,998
|
13. |
Creek House
|
$111,821 |
$74,143
|
$20,224
|
$17,454
|
14. |
Willie's Joint
|
$107,744 |
$48,860
|
$1,351
|
$57,533
|
15. |
The Vault
|
$105,705 |
$60,216
|
$36,411
|
$9,078
|
16. |
The I Dont Know Bar
|
$99,757 |
$48,865
|
$45
|
$50,847
|
17. |
Axis
|
$98,722 |
$84,218
|
$0
|
$14,504
|
18. |
Taste on Main Steak & Seafood
|
$98,566 |
$62,957
|
$27,512
|
$8,097
|
19. |
The Let Go
|
$98,182 |
$69,496
|
$6,553
|
$22,133
|
20. |
Dripping Springs Distilling
|
$96,506 |
$93,306
|
$0
|
$0
|
21. |
Pluckers Wing Bar
|
$94,294 |
$41,750
|
$180
|
$52,364
|
22. |
Mayloo's
|
$93,527 |
$84,128
|
$0
|
$9,399
|
23. |
San Marcos Es Catering Co
|
$90,500 |
$53,805
|
$12,531
|
$24,164
|
24. |
The League
|
$88,944 |
$45,381
|
$25,026
|
$18,537
|
25. |
Prospect House
|
$88,356 |
$29,452
|
$29,452
|
$29,452
|
Top Alcohol Sellers in Hays: April 2025
Leading the pack this month is Peak Beverage Texas LLC at Frog Pond Lane, raking in a whopping $273,735. Their sales were well-distributed across liquor, wine, and beer, with liquor leading at $130,594. This versatile sales mix could be a strategic advantage for prospective competitors looking to diversify their offerings.
Hays City Store on FM 150 W comes in second with $237,406. Interestingly, they have a strong emphasis on liquor sales, which accounted for $168,219 of their total revenue. This focus may appeal to businesses considering a similar approach in their product line.
Camp Lucy and Zelicks are also noteworthy, with total receipts of $191,756 and $188,777, respectively. Camp Lucy shows a balanced distribution between liquor and wine, while Zelicks is heavily invested in liquor sales. These establishments demonstrate how different sales strategies can yield comparable results.
Trends and Insights
One striking trend is the high level of liquor sales among the top establishments, indicating a robust demand for spirits in Hays. Establishments like Chimy's San Marcos and Freddy C's Lounge/WildfiresMTX have capitalized on this, with liquor accounting for a significant portion of their revenue.
Beer sales also play a crucial role, particularly for places like Twin Peaks and Maverick's Dance Hall, where beer sales are substantial. For business owners and real estate investors, this trend suggests that a strong beer selection could be a key driver of foot traffic and sales.
Notably, Dripping Springs Distilling stands out with its nearly exclusive focus on liquor, bringing in $93,306 solely from spirits. This specialization could be a model for niche market entrants aiming to establish a strong identity in the liquor-only segment.
Hays Zip Codes By April 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
78666
|
89 | $3,516,513 |
$2,182,378
|
$173,560
|
$1,094,692
|
2. |
78620
|
33 | $1,204,375 |
$705,715
|
$215,617
|
$235,067
|
3. |
78610
|
25 | $1,029,557 |
$594,030
|
$74,147
|
$356,059
|
4. |
78640
|
32 | $903,415 |
$521,172
|
$33,318
|
$348,925
|
5. |
78676
|
24 | $651,907 |
$394,680
|
$93,495
|
$140,538
|
6. |
78619
|
11 | $626,077 |
$402,321
|
$117,891
|
$105,865
|
Concentration of Alcohol Sales
In April 2025, the Hays area saw impressive alcohol sales totaling $7,931,844 across six zip codes. The standout performer was zip code 78666, which alone accounted for nearly half of the total sales, bringing in $3,516,513. This area not only boasts the highest sales volume but also the most establishments, with 89 locations offering alcoholic beverages.
Differences in Alcohol Preferences
While liquor was the top choice across all zip codes, there are some interesting variations. For instance, zip code 78666 leans heavily towards liquor, comprising 62% of sales, whereas beer is more popular in zip code 78640, accounting for 39% of purchases. Zip code 78619 is notable for having the highest percentage of wine sales at 19%, suggesting a potential niche market for wine enthusiasts.
Opportunities for New Establishments
With 214 establishments in the area, there's a varied landscape for potential new entrants. Zip code 78619, with only 11 establishments, presents an opportunity for new businesses to tap into the market. Similarly, zip code 78610 has a moderate number of establishments (25) but shows a balanced sales mix, making it a promising area for growth.
Interesting Patterns and Insights
One intriguing pattern is the consistent preference for liquor across all zip codes, which might influence future inventory decisions for new and existing businesses. Additionally, areas with a higher concentration of beer sales, like zip code 78640, may benefit from a focus on craft beer offerings to further boost sales. The data highlights Hays as a region with diverse consumer preferences, providing varied opportunities for tailored business strategies.
Hays Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr 2025 | 229 | $8,226,006 |
$4,939,537
|
$754,475
|
$2,344,845
|
5.1%
↓
|
Mar 2025 | 217 | $8,672,189 |
$5,315,138
|
$872,283
|
$2,461,806
|
29.9%
↑
|
Feb 2025 | 217 | $6,676,038 |
$4,117,744
|
$604,433
|
$1,881,105
|
9%
↑
|
Jan 2025 | 228 | $6,123,632 |
$3,751,978
|
$557,171
|
$1,766,352
|
18.9%
↓
|
Dec 2024 | 224 | $7,549,158 |
$4,598,274
|
$753,514
|
$2,105,461
|
4.7%
↓
|
Nov 2024 | 221 | $7,923,119 |
$4,777,715
|
$780,862
|
$2,288,572
|
5.8%
↓
|
Oct 2024 | 220 | $8,411,858 |
$4,953,544
|
$826,284
|
$2,600,882
|
8.5%
↑
|
Sep 2024 | 217 | $7,755,879 |
$4,663,959
|
$702,440
|
$2,357,699
|
4.4%
↑
|
Aug 2024 | 214 | $7,431,046 |
$4,646,347
|
$608,297
|
$2,144,573
|
3.6%
↑
|
Jul 2024 | 208 | $7,170,583 |
$4,454,207
|
$561,385
|
$2,122,567
|
6.9%
↓
|
Jun 2024 | 209 | $7,699,251 |
$4,770,957
|
$631,836
|
$2,211,191
|
13.3%
↓
|
May 2024 | 208 | $8,878,145 |
$5,568,808
|
$778,251
|
$2,498,836
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Hays
Over the past 12 months, Hays has seen some interesting shifts in alcohol sales. The standout month was May 2024, which recorded the highest total receipts of $8,878,145. Since then, we've observed a series of fluctuations, with a notable dip in January 2025, where sales dropped to $6,123,632. However, by April 2025, sales slightly recovered to $8,226,006, although this was still a decrease from March.
Sales Mix and Seasonal Patterns
Liquor consistently dominates the sales mix, contributing significantly more than beer and wine each month. In May 2024, liquor sales peaked at $5,568,808, indicating perhaps celebratory or seasonal purchasing trends. Beer sales also saw a high in October 2024 with $2,600,882, suggesting a possible link to social or sporting events. Wine, while the smallest segment, showed steady sales, with a peak in November 2024 at $780,862, possibly tied to holiday festivities.
Changes in Establishments and Market Dynamics
The number of establishments has generally been on the rise, increasing from 208 in May 2024 to 229 by April 2025. This growth might indicate a strengthening local market or increased competition. It's interesting to note that even with more establishments, total receipts in April 2025 decreased by 5.14% from the previous month, hinting at possible market saturation or changes in consumer spending habits.
Market Insights and Future Trends
The data suggests that while sales have been robust, they fluctuate with seasonal and possibly event-driven factors. Businesses could leverage these insights by tailoring their inventory and marketing efforts to align with these trends, such as stocking more liquor during peak months like May and exploring promotional activities during lower sales periods. As the market grows with more establishments, understanding these patterns will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Economic Overview
Hays, Texas, is a burgeoning hub that benefits from its strategic location between Austin and San Antonio, two of the state's economic powerhouses. The city's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from the technology sector, manufacturing, and education services. Hays has attracted a range of tech startups, capitalizing on the talent pool from nearby universities and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, the manufacturing industry, particularly in advanced materials and machinery, plays a crucial role in the local economy.
The business climate in Hays is characterized by a supportive local government that fosters innovation and growth. Incentive programs and a streamlined permitting process make it an attractive destination for new businesses. Over recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of increasing investment in infrastructure, which has further stimulated economic development and created a robust environment for business expansion.
Cultural Scene
Hays boasts a rich cultural scene that reflects the diversity and creativity of its residents. The city is known for its annual festivals, such as the Hays Arts and Music Festival, which draws artists and musicians from across Texas and beyond. This event, among others, has positioned Hays as a cultural destination in the region.
For art enthusiasts, the local galleries and public art installations offer a constant source of inspiration and connection to the community. The Hays Cultural Center frequently hosts exhibitions and performances, making it a cornerstone of the city's cultural life. These events and attractions not only enrich the community but also attract visitors, contributing to the local economy.
Lifestyle
Hays offers a unique lifestyle that combines the charm of a small town with the conveniences of urban living. Popular neighborhoods such as Plum Creek and Sunfield provide residents with a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to family-friendly homes. These areas are known for their community spirit and accessibility to parks and recreational facilities.
The city's entertainment districts are vibrant with a mix of local eateries, boutique shops, and entertainment venues. Downtown Hays is particularly popular for its eclectic mix of independent businesses and lively street markets. The local character is defined by a strong sense of community and a commitment to sustainability, making it an appealing place for families and young professionals alike.
Future Outlook
The future of Hays looks promising, with several development plans aimed at accommodating its growing population while maintaining its unique character. Infrastructure projects are underway to improve transportation links and support economic growth, including expansions to road networks and public transit systems.
Hays is experiencing a steady influx of new residents and businesses, driven by its attractive quality of life and economic opportunities. The city is actively planning for sustainable growth, ensuring that development projects align with environmental and community goals. As Hays continues to evolve, it remains a compelling prospect for investors and businesses looking to tap into its dynamic market and thriving community.