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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 September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Hays for September 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Logies on the Square
$236,944
$162,309
$439
$74,196
2.
Hays City Store
$204,149
$139,745
$9,711
$54,693
3.
Twin Peaks
$158,755
$55,920
$1,199
$101,636
4.
Zelicks
$155,735
$100,404
$1,172
$54,159
5.
Peak Beverage Texas LLC
$150,222
$83,724
$30,289
$36,209
6.
Camp Lucy
$147,653
$65,871
$60,326
$21,456
7.
The Vault
$137,365
$98,420
$28,943
$10,002
8.
Chimy's San Marcos
$133,649
$100,641
$0
$33,008
9.
Maverick's Dance Hall
$127,606
$84,734
$563
$42,309
10.
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
$125,347
$97,448
$23
$27,876
11.
University Food Services #2222
$121,497
$29,239
$898
$91,360
12.
Nate's at Buda Mill and Grain, Inc.
$119,557
$77,809
$5,724
$36,024
13.
Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant
$116,955
$93,009
$4,105
$19,841
14.
Whiskey Ridge
$110,315
$78,977
$22,963
$8,375
15.
Black Rabbit Saloon / Shade Rooftop Patio
$109,516
$87,865
$1,186
$20,465
16.
Trattoria Lisina
$108,041
$42,681
$62,012
$3,348
17.
Railhouse
$101,770
$57,970
$200
$43,600
18.
Axis
$95,654
$80,710
$0
$14,944
19.
Mayloo's
$94,282
$85,214
$0
$9,068
20.
Dripping Springs Distilling
$92,803
$89,952
$0
$0
21.
Creek House
$91,086
$60,530
$18,562
$11,994
22.
The Taproom & the Porch
$91,027
$50,502
$512
$40,013
23.
Taste on Main Steak & Seafood
$87,300
$55,618
$24,898
$6,784
24.
54th Street
$86,388
$50,171
$5,222
$30,995
25.
Pinballz Kingdom
$78,439
$37,532
$605
$40,302

Top Performers in Hays Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack in September 2025, Logies on the Square took the top spot with total receipts of $236,944. This venue boasts a strong preference for liquor sales, accounting for $162,309 of its total, leaving wine and beer far behind. If you're looking to invest in a liquor-heavy establishment, Logies sets a high bar.

Hays City Store follows closely, generating $204,149 in total sales, with liquor again being the favorite at $139,745. Unlike Logies, Hays City Store sees a bit more diversity with wine contributing more significantly at $9,711, showing potential for a varied alcohol menu.

Beer Dominance and Emerging Trends

Twin Peaks stands out for its beer sales, amassing $101,636 which is a substantial chunk of its $158,755 total revenue. This makes Twin Peaks an interesting case for those focusing on beer-centric business models. Beer lovers seem to favor this spot, suggesting a robust market for beer-forward establishments.

Meanwhile, Camp Lucy is the place for wine enthusiasts, with wine sales reaching $60,326 out of $147,653 in total receipts. This highlights a growing trend in wine consumption, indicating potential opportunities for wine-focused venues.

Diverse Offerings and Unique Positions

Peak Beverage Texas LLC and The Vault both show strong performances with balanced sales across liquor, wine, and beer. Their varied offerings could serve as a model for businesses aiming to capture a broad customer base.

Interestingly, Dripping Springs Distilling focuses almost exclusively on liquor, with an impressive $89,952 in liquor sales out of $92,803 total receipts. This specialization might appeal to those looking to carve out a niche in the liquor market.

Insights for Business Strategy

Overall, the data shows a strong preference for liquor across top-performing venues, but there's notable diversity in how different establishments succeed. Whether it's by focusing on one type of alcohol or offering a balanced selection, there's plenty of room for strategic planning based on these insights.

For budding bar owners or seasoned business real estate investors, these trends and numbers provide a roadmap to tailor offerings that cater to Hays' dynamic alcohol market.

Hays Zip Codes By September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Hays for September 2025, ranked by total sales. Shows the number of establishments and a breakdown of sales types for each area.
# Zip Code Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
78666
90 $3,729,436
$2,236,949
$158,071
$1,161,353
2.
78610
27 $956,197
$535,842
$66,582
$315,049
3.
78640
31 $883,706
$504,470
$37,375
$300,721
4.
78620
32 $879,489
$549,117
$139,588
$143,157
5.
78676
22 $665,951
$359,740
$108,522
$102,742
6.
78619
11 $536,447
$330,979
$105,690
$99,778

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

In Hays, the clear leader in alcohol sales for September 2025 is Zip Code 78666, with total sales hitting a remarkable $3,729,436. This area is home to 90 establishments, the highest among all zip codes, making it a hotspot for alcohol-related businesses. The sales mix here favors liquor, which accounts for 60% of total sales, suggesting a strong customer preference for spirits.

Alcohol Type Preferences by Zip Code

Across the various zip codes, liquor consistently dominates the sales mix, with percentages ranging from 54% to 62%. Zip Code 78620 shows a notable variance with a higher proportion of wine sales at 16%, matching its beer sales percentage. Meanwhile, Zip Code 78619 stands out with the highest percentage of wine sales at 20%, indicating a potentially untapped market for wine-focused establishments.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 213 total establishments spread across the area, there are potential opportunities for new businesses, especially in Zip Code 78619, which has the fewest establishments at 11. Despite this lower density, it still generates over half a million in sales, suggesting room for growth and new entrants in this market.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

Overall, the data reveals a consistent preference for liquor across all zip codes, with beer trailing closely behind. Wine, while less dominant, shows pockets of popularity, particularly in Zip Code 78619. This pattern could signal a growing market for diverse alcohol offerings, providing an opportunity for businesses to cater to a broader range of tastes and preferences.

Hays Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Hays. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Sep 2025 226 $7,907,618
$4,641,389
$656,290
$2,214,438
0.6%
Aug 2025 224 $7,858,332
$4,873,196
$610,486
$2,150,473
9.4%
Jul 2025 227 $7,181,897
$4,432,644
$546,315
$2,045,324
5.8%
Jun 2025 225 $7,621,787
$4,681,977
$636,052
$2,172,646
19.8%
May 2025 227 $9,501,453
$5,855,682
$821,147
$2,583,225
15.3%
Apr 2025 229 $8,237,212
$4,945,537
$754,475
$2,350,051
5%
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
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Hays

Over the past year, Hays has seen some intriguing shifts in alcohol sales, with May 2025 standing out as the peak month. Total receipts in May soared to $9.5 million, driven primarily by a spike in liquor sales at $5.9 million, which indicates a strong seasonal uplift. This May high was followed by a notable drop in June, suggesting a seasonal peak that might be tied to early summer celebrations or events.

Monthly Fluctuations and Growth

Despite the May peak, the months that followed exhibited some variability. For instance, August saw a significant rebound with a 9.42% increase in total receipts, likely driven by the end of summer activities. Conversely, January and June both experienced substantial declines, with January's receipts dropping nearly 19% compared to the previous month, reflecting a post-holiday slump.

Sales Mix: Liquor vs. Wine vs. Beer

Throughout the year, liquor consistently accounted for the largest portion of sales, peaking in May and maintaining a strong presence in subsequent months. Beer sales also showed robust numbers, particularly in May and July, aligning with warmer weather and social gatherings. On the other hand, wine sales remained more stable but less dominant, suggesting a more niche market or less seasonal fluctuation compared to liquor and beer.

Establishment Changes and Market Dynamics

The number of establishments saw minor fluctuations, with a peak in July at 227. Notably, a slight increase in September hints at a growing market or new business openings. This growth in establishments, although small, reflects a resilient market with opportunities for expansion, particularly as sales figures continue to show positive growth in certain months.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

Comparing year-over-year data, there's a noticeable overall increase in sales, especially when contrasting the lower receipts in early 2024 with the improved figures in 2025. This suggests a recovering or expanding market post-pandemic, with consumer confidence and spending on the rise. The consistent performance of liquor and beer, in particular, indicates these categories as strongholds in the market, with room for growth in wine sales.

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.