Howard County Alcohol Sales

Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments

The leading spot this month goes to CROSSROAD on US Highway 87, boasting total receipts of $103,775. This establishment is particularly strong in liquor sales, generating $70,460, with beer contributing $33,315. It's clear that CROSSROAD is the go-to for spirits lovers in Howard.

The Train Car, LLC on Main Street takes second place with $52,040 in total sales. While their liquor sales are significant at $32,660, they also fare well in beer sales, pulling in $18,793. Notably, they also have some wine sales, albeit modestly at $587.

Meanwhile, Judi's Wild West Wingz, LLC on 4th Street follows closely behind with $50,344 in total receipts. Their strength lies in beer sales, which account for $30,348, while liquor sales contribute $19,996. Interestingly, wine is not part of their sales mix at all.

Insights and Trends

Though Big Spring Cowboy Reunion reported $44,776 in receipts, it's notable that they have no recorded alcohol sales. This might suggest a reporting error or a focus on non-alcoholic events this period. Similarly, establishments like Agave and The Pub Downtown show total receipts but report no alcohol sales, indicating potential non-alcoholic revenue streams or discrepancies in reporting.

Hotel Settles shows a balanced mix of liquor, wine, and beer sales, totaling $40,820. They are a strong contender in the hotel and hospitality sector, with a notable $29,127 from liquor sales. This suggests they might cater to a diverse clientele, including those interested in both spirits and wines.

Opportunities for Growth

Smaller establishments like El Jalisco Bar & Grill and Alberto's show a more focused product offering, with a lean towards liquor and beer. Entrepreneurs and bar owners might see this as a cue to diversify their offerings or capitalize on existing strengths to capture more market share.

Interestingly, several venues, including Big Spring Distillers and Read Bar & Grill, LLC, report zero alcohol sales. This could represent untapped potential for new business strategies or a shift towards other types of revenue generation.

Overall Sales Growth

Over the past year, alcohol sales in Howard have experienced a dynamic ride, culminating in the highest sales month in June 2025 with total receipts of $474,152. This marks an impressive 8.32% increase from May 2025. The year started with a significant dip in January, where sales dropped by 23.41%, but the market rebounded strongly in the following months. This overall upward trend suggests a resilient market with growing consumer demand.

Trends in Establishments

The number of establishments selling alcohol has fluctuated slightly, peaking at 23 in several months, including the most recent. Notably, there was a sharp decline in February 2025, when the number of establishments dipped by 13.04%. However, the numbers bounced back, indicating potential seasonal closures or shifts in market strategies among sellers.

Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Liquor consistently leads the sales mix, with its highest receipts in March 2025 at $263,571. Interestingly, while liquor sales show fluctuations, beer sales have remained relatively stable, with a noticeable peak in March at $172,276. Wine, on the other hand, contributes the least to overall sales, peaking at $9,694 in December 2024. This suggests a strong preference for liquor and beer among consumers in Howard.

Seasonal Patterns and Market Insights

The data reveals some seasonal patterns, such as the spike in sales during March 2025, which could be linked to events or holidays that traditionally drive alcohol consumption. The decline in January 2025 aligns with post-holiday spending slowdowns, a common trend in many markets. These fluctuations highlight the importance for businesses to adjust inventory and marketing efforts according to seasonal demand.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

Comparing year-over-year data, the market shows a general upward trajectory, with significant growth from the same period in the previous year. For instance, June 2025 saw a substantial increase compared to June 2024, indicating a robust recovery from any previous downturns and potentially reflecting broader economic improvements or successful marketing strategies within the industry.