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 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Camp Lucy
|
$228,828 |
$100,386
|
$101,118
|
$27,324
|
| 2. |
Peak Beverage Texas LLC
|
$221,224 |
$113,182
|
$53,170
|
$54,872
|
| 3. |
Hays City Store
|
$205,215 |
$141,283
|
$10,695
|
$53,237
|
| 4. |
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
|
$177,948 |
$138,943
|
$431
|
$38,574
|
| 5. |
Zelicks
|
$167,452 |
$110,567
|
$1,311
|
$55,574
|
| 6. |
Maverick's Dance Hall
|
$163,285 |
$111,081
|
$255
|
$51,949
|
| 7. |
Black Rabbit Saloon / Shade Rooftop Patio
|
$153,599 |
$127,076
|
$1,581
|
$24,942
|
| 8. |
Chimy's San Marcos
|
$153,338 |
$120,742
|
$0
|
$32,596
|
| 9. |
Twin Peaks
|
$141,684 |
$50,778
|
$1,216
|
$89,690
|
| 10. |
Nate's at Buda Mill and Grain, Inc.
|
$128,297 |
$80,032
|
$7,378
|
$40,887
|
| 11. |
Whiskey Ridge
|
$124,331 |
$88,631
|
$24,706
|
$10,994
|
| 12. |
Trattoria Lisina
|
$108,449 |
$37,773
|
$65,877
|
$4,799
|
| 13. |
Logies on the Square
|
$106,949 |
$72,806
|
$211
|
$33,932
|
| 14. |
Neon Armadillo Wtx LLC
|
$104,141 |
$76,420
|
$5,464
|
$22,257
|
| 15. |
Dripping Springs Distilling
|
$102,641 |
$100,569
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 16. |
The I Dont Know Bar
|
$100,261 |
$55,563
|
$52
|
$44,646
|
| 17. |
San Marcos Es Catering Co
|
$98,897 |
$48,167
|
$28,888
|
$21,842
|
| 18. |
The League
|
$98,551 |
$52,283
|
$26,911
|
$19,357
|
| 19. |
Creek House
|
$98,191 |
$63,838
|
$21,107
|
$13,246
|
| 20. |
Axis
|
$95,883 |
$78,878
|
$0
|
$17,005
|
| 21. |
Taste on Main Steak & Seafood
|
$95,314 |
$60,967
|
$26,483
|
$7,864
|
| 22. |
54th Street
|
$94,054 |
$58,222
|
$6,134
|
$29,698
|
| 23. |
The Taproom & the Porch
|
$91,856 |
$50,326
|
$433
|
$41,097
|
| 24. |
Pluckers Wing Bar
|
$90,873 |
$39,287
|
$70
|
$51,516
|
| 25. |
Willie's Joint
|
$89,958 |
$42,848
|
$1,086
|
$46,024
|
Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Hays - April 2026
CAMP LUCY leads the pack with total receipts of $228,828, showing a strong balance across liquor, wine, and beer sales. Their sales are nearly evenly split between liquor and wine, with liquor bringing in $100,386 and wine slightly ahead at $101,118. Beer, while less significant, still accounts for $27,324 of their revenue.
PEAK BEVERAGE TEXAS LLC closely follows with $221,224 in total receipts. This establishment stands out for its hefty liquor sales, totaling $113,182, while maintaining a fair balance between wine and beer, $53,170 and $54,872 respectively. Their emphasis on liquor sales seems to be paying off handsomely.
HAYS CITY STORE rounds out the top three with $205,215 in total receipts. Their strong suit is liquor, accounting for a whopping $141,283 of their sales. Unlike CAMP LUCY and PEAK BEVERAGE, HAYS CITY STORE has minimal focus on wine, which only contributes $10,695 to their total sales.
Trends and Notable Observations
Across the board, liquor sales seem to be the driving force for many top establishments, with several places like FREDDY C'S LOUNGE/WILDFIRESMTX and ZELICKS reporting substantial revenues from liquor alone. FREDDY C's, for instance, raked in $138,943 from liquor out of their $177,948 total.
Beer sales show a strong presence as well, particularly at TWIN PEAKS, where beer sales of $89,690 overshadowed both liquor and wine. This suggests a niche market or strategy that prioritizes casual, beer-centric experiences.
Interestingly, DRIPPING SPRINGS DISTILLING reported almost all of its $102,641 in total receipts from liquor sales, suggesting a specialized offering that might cater to a specific consumer base or exclusive product line.
The data reflects a diverse alcohol market in Hays, with establishments finding success through different focuses, whether it be a balanced approach across all types of alcohol or a specialized focus on liquor or beer. Business owners and investors might find potential opportunities by aligning new ventures with these successful models.
Hays Zip Codes By April 2026 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
78666
|
82 | $3,368,445 |
$2,135,865
|
$188,821
|
$1,043,759
|
| 2. |
78620
|
31 | $1,110,104 |
$667,275
|
$217,961
|
$222,796
|
| 3. |
78610
|
26 | $1,034,615 |
$617,189
|
$89,359
|
$328,067
|
| 4. |
78640
|
29 | $782,236 |
$468,627
|
$35,295
|
$278,314
|
| 5. |
78676
|
19 | $765,473 |
$501,648
|
$96,929
|
$166,196
|
| 6. |
78619
|
11 | $547,070 |
$338,971
|
$108,113
|
$99,986
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Hays
In April 2026, alcohol sales across Hays amounted to a whopping $7,607,943, spread over 198 establishments within six zip codes. This data provides a fascinating insight into consumer preferences and market opportunities for businesses looking to tap into the local alcohol industry.
Top Performing Zip Code: 78666
Zip Code 78666 stands out as the leader with sales totaling $3,368,445 across 82 establishments. This area shows a strong preference for liquor, which makes up 63% of its sales, followed by beer at 31% and wine at a modest 6%. If you're considering opening a new establishment, this zip code's high sales volume suggests a vibrant market, but also a competitive one.
Other Key Zip Codes
Zip Code 78620 comes in second with $1,110,104 in sales across 31 establishments. Interestingly, this area shows an even split between wine and beer, each accounting for 20% of sales, while liquor remains dominant at 60%. This could present an opportunity to focus on unique wine and beer offerings to cater to local tastes.
Zip Code 78610 and Zip Code 78640 follow closely, with sales of $1,034,615 and $782,236, respectively. Both areas have a similar sales mix with liquor taking the lead, but zip code 78640 shows a slightly higher preference for beer at 36%. If you're targeting beer enthusiasts, this might be the area to consider.
Opportunities in Less Saturated Areas
Zip Code 78676 and Zip Code 78619 show lower total sales but present intriguing opportunities. With sales of $765,473 and $547,070 respectively, these areas have fewer establishments (19 and 11), suggesting less market saturation. Particularly, the higher wine sales in zip code 78619 might indicate an underserved market for wine connoisseurs.
Market Insights and Opportunities
Across all zip codes, liquor consistently dominates the sales mix, highlighting a strong local preference. However, the variation in wine and beer sales across different areas suggests diverse consumer preferences that businesses can capitalize on. For entrepreneurs and existing businesses, exploring niche markets in less saturated areas or offering unique selections in more competitive zip codes could be lucrative strategies.
Hays Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | 211 | $7,923,890 |
$4,862,202
|
$837,311
|
$2,221,605
|
7.5%
↓
|
| Mar 2026 | 227 | $8,562,744 |
$5,077,798
|
$758,778
|
$2,394,545
|
11.9%
↑
|
| 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
|
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
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Hays
Over the past 12 months, the alcohol sales landscape in Hays has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with the month of May 2025 standing out as a clear peak. In May, total receipts hit a high of $9,501,453, driven largely by robust liquor sales. However, by April 2026, sales had declined to $7,923,890, marking a notable decrease from the previous high.
Trends in Sales Volume
The data shows significant fluctuations in total receipts, with notable peaks and troughs. For instance, after a strong performance in October 2025, there was a dip in November before a rebound in December. This pattern suggests a potential seasonality effect, possibly linked to holidays and social events that boost sales during certain months, particularly for liquor and beer.
Shifts in Sales Mix
Liquor consistently topped the sales charts, often doubling or tripling the receipts of wine and beer. This indicates a strong preference or demand for liquor among consumers in Hays. Interestingly, wine sales saw a steady increase from January 2026, suggesting a growing interest or market for wine aficionados. Beer sales remained relatively stable but showed a slight decrease in April 2026 compared to earlier months.
Market Dynamics and Business Implications
The number of establishments in Hays has been on a slight decline, with April 2026 seeing a drop to 211 from 227 establishments in March. This contraction could be an opportunity for existing businesses to capture a larger market share or for new entrants to fill any emerging gaps. The robust liquor sales also suggest that businesses could benefit from focusing on premium liquor offerings or exclusive brands to capitalize on consumer preferences.
Year-over-Year Insights
Comparing year-over-year data, there is a discernible shift in consumer spending habits that businesses should take note of. While May 2025 was a record month, the subsequent months didn’t maintain the same momentum, indicating potential economic factors or consumer preferences impacting sales. Businesses can leverage these insights to plan inventory and marketing strategies more effectively, aligning with the observed peaks and troughs.
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.