Howard County Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Howard's Alcohol Sales

The July 2026 report highlights Judi's Wild West Wingz, LLC as the top alcohol-selling establishment in Howard, raking in a total of $68,075. Beer sales dominated the scene here, contributing a substantial $42,014 to their total, while liquor sales added $26,019. Despite minimal wine sales, Judi's has clearly cornered the beer market.

Coming in second, The Train Car, LLC recorded $56,717 in total receipts, with a strong emphasis on liquor sales amounting to $33,233. Their beer sales were also notable at $22,600, but wine sales lagged behind at only $884. This venue seems to excel in creating a lively environment for liquor enthusiasts.

Hotel Settles holds the third spot with $45,672 in total sales, driven primarily by liquor at $31,334. Their diverse offering includes $4,282 in wine sales, the highest among the top three establishments, indicating a more varied beverage menu appealing to a broader clientele.

Mid-Tier Movers

The 213 and Alberto's round out the mid-tier performers with total receipts of $37,678 and $25,401, respectively. The 213 focuses heavily on liquor, accounting for $29,207 of their sales, while Alberto’s strikes a balance with substantial contributions from both liquor and beer sales.

The Pub Downtown and Desert Flower Gallery and Art Bar follow closely, each with a unique sales mix. The Pub Downtown has a nearly even split between liquor and beer sales, while Desert Flower leans heavily on liquor, showing a distinct preference among their patrons.

Notable Trends and Observations

One interesting trend is the absence of wine sales in several venues, including Eagles Lodge #3188 and The Caddy Shack, which focus solely on liquor and beer. This could suggest a targeted approach to cater to specific customer preferences or a strategic decision based on inventory management.

It's also worth noting that some establishments, like IHOP 5705 and Big Spring Distillers, reported zero alcohol sales, which might indicate a shift in business focus or operational challenges. These insights could be vital for potential investors or business owners looking to understand the competitive landscape in Howard.

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Howard

Over the past year, alcohol sales in Howard have shown some interesting trends, especially in terms of seasonal patterns and changes in sales composition. The month of October 2025 was a standout, with the highest total receipts at $482,375. This spike was driven by a significant increase in wine sales, which suggests that events or seasonal preferences may have boosted wine consumption during that period.

Monthly Trends and Changes

Sales have generally fluctuated month-to-month, with noticeable peaks and troughs. After the October peak, November saw a steep decline of 31.64% in total receipts, indicating a possible post-peak cooling off. As we moved into 2026, there was a marked increase in February, with receipts jumping by 19.47%, likely due to Valentine's Day or other winter events driving liquor sales.

Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Liquor consistently accounted for the largest share of total alcohol sales, particularly notable in February 2026, where it represented over half of the total receipts. Beer sales have remained relatively stable, although there was a slight uptick in May 2026. Wine, while the smallest category, experienced its highest sales in October 2025, which may suggest that promotional activities or special events influenced buying behavior.

Market Implications

The fluctuations in establishment numbers alongside sales suggest a dynamic market where businesses are responding to shifting consumer demands and seasonal influences. The high sales in October and subsequent months with varied trends highlight the importance of strategic planning around peak seasons and events. Businesses might benefit from focusing on promotional activities or introducing specialty products to capitalize on these sales opportunities.