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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 June 2026 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Hays for June 2026, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Hays City Store
$207,231
$145,494
$8,493
$53,244
2.
Camp Lucy
$195,660
$96,851
$81,253
$17,556
3.
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
$151,070
$118,089
$294
$32,687
4.
Zelicks
$147,418
$96,471
$1,512
$49,435
5.
Neon Armadillo Wtx LLC
$133,900
$98,746
$5,677
$29,477
6.
Maverick's Dance Hall
$126,208
$84,624
$180
$41,404
7.
Trattoria Lisina
$114,457
$41,799
$69,099
$3,559
8.
Whiskey Ridge
$114,084
$83,002
$22,137
$8,945
9.
Railhouse
$111,199
$61,279
$193
$49,727
10.
Nate's at Buda Mill and Grain, Inc.
$110,082
$70,799
$5,298
$33,985
11.
Chimy's San Marcos
$109,755
$85,183
$0
$24,572
12.
Kissing Tree Club/tarbox & Brown/the Mix
$109,623
$51,134
$13,754
$44,735
13.
Black Rabbit Saloon / Shade Rooftop Patio
$107,819
$88,127
$1,183
$18,509
14.
Creek House
$105,511
$71,174
$19,411
$14,926
15.
Peak Beverage Texas LLC
$103,349
$52,568
$26,753
$24,028
16.
Logies on the Square
$103,087
$69,960
$116
$33,011
17.
Dripping Springs Distilling
$96,695
$93,609
$0
$0
18.
54th Street
$96,439
$56,651
$5,747
$34,041
19.
Evo Entertainment Center
$92,632
$49,426
$2,705
$40,501
20.
Taste on Main Steak & Seafood
$90,087
$60,100
$21,453
$8,534
21.
The I Dont Know Bar
$89,909
$47,485
$167
$42,257
22.
The Taproom & the Porch
$86,249
$43,555
$785
$41,909
23.
The Let Go
$83,628
$57,712
$3,890
$22,026
24.
Nada Mucho
$81,602
$71,778
$1,438
$8,386
25.
Ivar's River Pub
$80,860
$47,019
$5,452
$28,389

Top Performers in Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack for June 2026 in Hays, the HAYS CITY STORE took the crown with total receipts of $207,231. Notably, their liquor sales were particularly strong, raking in $145,494, showing a clear preference for spirits among their patrons. Beer sales also contributed significantly with $53,244, making up a substantial part of their revenue.

CAMP LUCY came in second with total sales of $195,660. Unlike the HAYS CITY STORE, Camp Lucy had a more balanced sales distribution between liquor and wine, with wine bringing in $81,253, a standout in the wine category across all establishments. Their beer sales were the lowest among the top two, at $17,556.

Interesting Trends and Observations

FREDDY C'S LOUNGE/WILDFIRESMTX and ZELICKS showed strong performances, both with significant liquor sales, at $118,089 and $96,471 respectively. Freddy C's had a minor wine contribution, which could indicate a strategic focus on liquor and beer.

TRATTORIA LISINA's wine sales were notably high at $69,099, making it a go-to spot for wine enthusiasts. This contrasts with establishments like DRIPPING SPRINGS DISTILLING, whose sales were almost entirely liquor-based, with $93,609 out of their $96,695 total receipts.

Mid-Tier and Emerging Establishments

Among the mid-tier performers, NEON ARMADILLO WTX LLC and MAVERICK'S DANCE HALL both crossed the $125,000 mark in total receipts, showing solid performances in the liquor category. PEAK BEVERAGE TEXAS LLC balanced its sales between liquor and wine, indicating a diverse product offering that appeals to a broader clientele.

Newcomers like THE I DONT KNOW BAR and THE LET GO are making waves with competitive sales figures, showing potential for growth if they continue to harness their strengths in liquor and beer sales. These establishments could be ones to watch in the coming months.

Hays Zip Codes By June 2026 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Hays for June 2026, 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
85 $2,924,837
$1,809,382
$149,391
$933,299
2.
78676
24 $900,463
$589,355
$107,371
$203,337
3.
78620
29 $868,550
$558,011
$162,757
$144,696
4.
78640
30 $833,204
$490,954
$36,962
$305,288
5.
78610
23 $827,282
$488,748
$91,777
$246,757
6.
78619
11 $523,397
$322,818
$104,067
$96,512

Top Performing Zip Codes

In Hays, the zip code 78666 stands out as the leader in alcohol sales, raking in a substantial $2,924,837 from its 85 establishments. This area is clearly a hotspot for liquor enthusiasts, with liquor sales making up a hefty 62% of the total. If you're in the business of liquor, this is the place to be.

Following closely behind is 78676 with $900,463 in sales, distributed across 24 establishments. This area shows a similar preference for liquor, accounting for 65% of sales, indicating a strong market for high-proof beverages.

Sales Mix Insights

Each zip code exhibits its own unique sales mix, reflecting diverse consumer preferences. In 78620, wine plays a more significant role, making up 19% of sales, which is higher than other areas. This could indicate an opportunity for wine-focused businesses to thrive here.

Interestingly, 78640 leans more towards beer, with 37% of sales coming from this category. Establishments looking to tap into the beer market might find this zip code particularly appealing for expansion.

Opportunities for New Businesses

With 202 establishments spread across six zip codes, there are still potential opportunities for new entries, especially in 78619. Despite having the fewest establishments (11), its sales mix shows a healthy interest in both liquor and wine, suggesting room for growth in these categories.

Zip code 78610 also presents an interesting opportunity. With moderate sales of $827,282 and only 23 establishments, this area might benefit from more retail options, particularly those focusing on liquor and beer, which account for 59% and 30% of sales respectively.

Key Takeaways

Overall, liquor dominates the alcohol sales landscape across Hays, making it a prime focus for new and existing businesses. However, the nuanced preferences in each zip code—like the higher wine sales in 78620 and beer in 78640—offer strategic insights for tailoring business offerings. Keep an eye on lower-density areas for future growth potential, as the demand is present but not yet fully tapped.

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
Jun 2026 214 $7,136,820
$4,384,720
$710,655
$2,005,194
29.4%
May 2026 230 $10,111,166
$6,171,760
$896,329
$2,629,918
18.6%
Apr 2026 231 $8,522,093
$5,062,329
$843,919
$2,343,795
0.8%
Mar 2026 227 $8,591,274
$5,077,589
$777,057
$2,463,796
12.3%
Feb 2026 227 $7,651,214
$4,677,672
$691,901
$2,063,005
14.1%
Jan 2026 226 $6,707,106
$4,025,848
$611,464
$1,885,573
14%
Dec 2025 223 $7,796,278
$4,748,459
$760,816
$2,134,514
3.2%
Nov 2025 226 $7,553,822
$4,560,125
$796,507
$2,113,559
12.6%
Oct 2025 225 $8,642,543
$5,219,276
$786,230
$2,485,877
13.1%
Sep 2025 226 $7,641,345
$4,689,058
$656,887
$2,239,292
2.7%
Aug 2025 224 $7,853,980
$4,895,215
$610,486
$2,166,837
9.4%
Jul 2025 227 $7,181,897
$4,432,644
$546,315
$2,045,324
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Hays

The past year has seen a dynamic shift in alcohol sales across Hays, with notable fluctuations in both the number of establishments and total receipts. The month of May 2026 stands out as the peak period, boasting the highest sales at $10.1 million. In contrast, June 2026 experienced a significant drop, with sales declining by 29.42% to $7.1 million, alongside a reduction in the number of establishments by nearly 7%.

Trends in Liquor, Wine, and Beer Sales

When breaking down the sales mix, liquor consistently outperformed wine and beer across the months. May 2026 recorded the highest liquor sales at $6.17 million, contributing significantly to the month's overall sales surge. Although wine sales showed a modest increase in May, they remained relatively stable throughout the year. Beer sales peaked in May as well, but saw a decline in June, mirroring the overall trend.

Seasonal Patterns and Market Insights

Seasonal trends were apparent throughout the year, with spikes in sales noticeable in October 2025 and March 2026, both of which saw increases in total receipts of over 12%. These months may coincide with local events or holidays that drive higher consumer spending. The consistent performance of liquor suggests a strong, stable demand, whereas beer and wine sales appear more susceptible to seasonal variations.

Market Implications

The data indicates a robust demand for liquor, which might encourage businesses to diversify their offerings in this category. The decline in the number of establishments from May to June could signal market consolidation or seasonal closures, affecting overall sales performance. For businesses looking to capitalize on these trends, focusing on peak sales months and enhancing their liquor inventory could be advantageous.

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.