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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 July 2026 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Hays for July 2026, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Hays City Store
$203,146
$145,002
$7,682
$50,462
2.
Maverick's Dance Hall
$169,035
$109,337
$378
$59,320
3.
Freddy C's Lounge/wildfiresmtx
$160,623
$126,365
$366
$33,892
4.
Zelicks
$142,461
$94,985
$984
$46,492
5.
Camp Lucy
$138,976
$71,624
$57,616
$9,736
6.
Neon Armadillo Wtx LLC
$130,289
$93,239
$9,181
$27,869
7.
Nate's at Buda Mill and Grain, Inc.
$127,558
$82,054
$5,546
$39,958
8.
Buck's Backyard
$120,170
$0
$0
$0
9.
Chimy's San Marcos
$119,340
$92,020
$0
$27,320
10.
Black Rabbit Saloon / Shade Rooftop Patio
$113,519
$93,788
$919
$18,812
11.
Whiskey Ridge
$113,129
$81,100
$22,661
$9,368
12.
Railhouse
$113,062
$61,493
$185
$51,384
13.
Dripping Springs Distilling
$108,151
$105,183
$0
$0
14.
Creek House
$105,972
$71,863
$18,941
$15,168
15.
Trattoria Lisina
$101,202
$38,617
$59,284
$3,301
16.
54th Street
$99,754
$59,756
$5,342
$34,656
17.
Logies on the Square
$99,018
$69,296
$234
$29,488
18.
Taste on Main Steak & Seafood
$98,814
$66,308
$24,237
$8,269
19.
The I Dont Know Bar
$95,149
$48,865
$194
$46,090
20.
Pluckers Wing Bar
$94,947
$38,120
$80
$56,747
21.
The Taproom & the Porch
$92,231
$47,916
$518
$43,797
22.
The Let Go
$90,284
$62,208
$5,027
$23,049
23.
The League
$89,679
$46,813
$23,939
$18,927
24.
Nada Mucho
$88,313
$77,532
$1,230
$9,551
25.
Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant
$87,761
$70,908
$2,851
$14,002

Top Alcohol Sellers in Hays for July 2026

The Hays City Store topped the charts with impressive total receipts of $203,146. With liquor sales making up the lion's share at $145,002, it's clear that their spirit offerings are a major draw for customers. Beer sales also contributed significantly, adding $50,462 to the overall total.

Maverick's Dance Hall and Freddy C's Lounge/Wildfiresmtx followed closely behind, with total receipts of $169,035 and $160,623, respectively. Maverick's saw a robust performance in beer sales at $59,320, while Freddy C's led in liquor sales with a notable $126,365.

Zelicks and Camp Lucy rounded out the top five, with Zelicks generating $142,461 in total receipts and Camp Lucy close behind at $138,976. Interestingly, Camp Lucy's wine sales of $57,616 were almost equal to its liquor receipts, indicating a strong preference for wine among their patrons.

Notable Trends and Insights

While liquor consistently led in sales across most locations, Camp Lucy and Trattoria Lisina stood out for their wine sales, with Camp Lucy taking in $57,616 from wine alone. This suggests a distinct niche market in wine that other establishments might consider tapping into.

Beer sales were particularly strong at Pluckers Wing Bar, where they accounted for $56,747 of their $94,947 total receipts. This pattern was also evident at The Taproom & The Porch and The I Don't Know Bar, emphasizing beer's importance in casual dining and sports bar settings.

Interestingly, Buck's Backyard reported zero sales across all categories, which could indicate a data recording error or a temporary closure during the reporting period. This anomaly might be worth investigating for those in the business.

Hays Zip Codes By July 2026 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Hays for July 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
80 $2,807,683
$1,795,804
$155,601
$856,278
2.
78610
25 $1,081,359
$572,013
$63,581
$325,595
3.
78676
24 $1,007,493
$651,550
$147,634
$208,309
4.
78640
31 $814,674
$477,121
$30,851
$306,702
5.
78620
30 $711,809
$485,759
$107,734
$115,348
6.
78619
10 $507,518
$320,138
$93,823
$93,557

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

In July 2026, the bustling zip code 78666 led the charge in Hays with a whopping $2,807,683 in alcohol sales. This area, home to 80 establishments, accounted for a significant chunk of the market, showing a strong preference for liquor, which made up 64% of its sales. If you're looking to tap into a thriving scene, 78666's diverse mix of liquor, wine, and beer could be worth exploring.

Following closely, zip code 78610 recorded $1,081,359 in sales across 25 establishments. With a similar sales mix to 78666, 78610 also shows a heavy tilt towards liquor but with fewer establishments, suggesting room for growth or new market entrants.

Alcohol Preferences by Area

Analyzing the types of alcohol sold, zip code 78676 stands out for its higher wine consumption, which accounts for 15% of its sales, compared to just 6% in 78666. This could indicate a unique consumer base that favors wine, presenting a niche opportunity for wine-focused businesses.

Interestingly, 78620 has the highest percentage of liquor sales at 68%, with wine also at 15%. Meanwhile, 78640 has a notably higher beer sales percentage at 38%, suggesting a strong beer culture in this area.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 200 establishments spread across six zip codes, the density of businesses varies significantly. Zip code 78619, with only 10 establishments generating $507,518 in sales, might be ripe for new ventures. Its balanced sales mix of liquor, wine, and beer suggests a versatile consumer market.

Areas like 78610 and 78676, with fewer establishments compared to their sales volume, offer promising opportunities for expansion. Businesses could capitalize on the existing demand and potentially introduce new products or services to stand out.

Key Insights and Patterns

The data reveals a strong preference for liquor across all zip codes, consistently making up the majority of sales. However, variations in wine and beer preferences hint at diverse consumer tastes, which can be leveraged by businesses aiming to tailor their offerings to specific community preferences.

Overall, while 78666 dominates in sales and number of establishments, other areas show unique patterns and potential for growth. Entrepreneurs could benefit from these insights by targeting underrepresented segments or offering unique experiences tailored to local tastes.

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
Jul 2026 213 $7,176,711
$4,425,183
$660,364
$1,968,026
7.3%
Jun 2026 230 $7,739,266
$4,516,968
$712,006
$2,061,358
23.2%
May 2026 229 $10,079,724
$6,191,780
$896,759
$2,639,094
18.3%
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
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Hays

Over the past year, alcohol sales in Hays have shown some interesting trends, with May 2026 being the standout month with the highest total receipts of $10,079,724. This was a significant spike, representing an 18.28% increase in sales compared to April. However, by July, total receipts had decreased to $7,176,711, a 7.27% drop from June, indicating a possible seasonal or market-driven adjustment.

Liquor, Wine, and Beer Sales Dynamics

Liquor consistently held the lion’s share of total sales, peaking at $6,191,780 in May 2026. This suggests a strong consumer preference for liquor, possibly influenced by promotional activities or events during that month. Wine and beer sales, while considerably lower, also saw fluctuations, with wine peaking in May at $896,759 and beer at $2,639,094. These trends indicate that while all three categories are important, liquor is the dominant force in the market.

Seasonal Patterns and Establishment Changes

The data reveals a notable seasonal pattern, with a dip in sales during the winter months, particularly in January 2026, where sales were down 13.97% from December. Interestingly, the number of establishments tends to fluctuate slightly, with a peak in April 2026 at 231 establishments, before dropping to 213 by July. This could suggest a potential consolidation or a strategic market exit by some businesses.

Market Implications

For businesses looking to capitalize on these trends, focusing on liquor sales during peak months could be beneficial. Additionally, understanding the seasonal dips and planning promotions or events around these times might help smooth out sales throughout the year. The decrease in establishments by July could also mean less competition, potentially offering a chance for remaining businesses to increase market share if they adapt effectively to consumer preferences.

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.