Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of East Texas, Rusk is a charming city known for its historical significance and vibrant community spirit. As the county seat of Cherokee County, Rusk has a unique blend of small-town charm and regional importance that attracts both residents and visitors alike. This article delves into a comprehensive data-driven analysis of the city’s alcohol sales market, providing valuable insights into consumer behavior and business performance.
This report begins with a detailed examination of Rusk’s leading alcohol-selling establishments. Through a table and analysis, readers will discover which venues are the most popular among locals and why they stand out. Following this, we break down alcohol sales by zip code, revealing the areas with the highest concentration of sales and what this means for local businesses and community trends.
Finally, the article presents a monthly trends analysis that charts the fluctuations in alcohol sales over the past year. This section sheds light on seasonal patterns and economic influences affecting consumer choices. Whether you are a business owner, a resident, or just curious about the local economy, this report offers a clear and concise overview of Rusk's alcohol sales landscape as of April 2025.
Top 10 Rusk Businesses By June 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp
|
$70,470 |
$45,413
|
$899
|
$24,158
|
2. |
Boomer's
|
$31,994 |
$17,437
|
$350
|
$14,207
|
3. |
Henderson Star Cafe
|
$16,708 |
$7,405
|
$0
|
$9,303
|
4. |
Sundowners Bar & Grill
|
$10,621 |
$3,257
|
$1,889
|
$5,475
|
5. |
Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant
|
$9,647 |
$5,775
|
$119
|
$3,753
|
6. |
Don Felix Mexican Restaurant & Cantina LLC
|
$6,250 |
$3,852
|
$0
|
$2,398
|
7. |
Henderson Country Club Inc
|
$6,207 |
$2,640
|
$309
|
$3,258
|
8. |
Six Red Thorns, Inc.
|
$5,249 |
$2,747
|
$24
|
$2,478
|
9. |
Rusk Co. Memorial Post No. 8535, Veterans of Forei
|
$4,478 |
$2,795
|
$17
|
$1,666
|
10. |
Orta's Restaurant
|
$1,782 |
$998
|
$0
|
$784
|
Top Alcohol Sellers in Rusk
At the top of the list is Tia Juanita's Fish Camp, racking up an impressive $70,470 in total alcohol sales. Liquor leads the charge at $45,413, while beer and wine contribute $24,158 and $899, respectively. This spot is clearly the go-to for those craving both seafood and a strong drink.
Following is Boomer's, with total receipts of $31,994. Liquor sales stand at $17,437, and beer isn't far behind at $14,207. Their wine sales are minimal at $350, suggesting that the crowd here might prefer a good beer or cocktail.
Henderson Star Cafe rounds out the top three, with total sales of $16,708. Interestingly, beer sales surpass liquor at this establishment, indicating a preference for brews among patrons. Wine doesn't make an appearance here, possibly reflecting a simpler menu or clientele taste.
Rising and Notable Places
Sundowners Bar & Grill and Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant are neck-and-neck, with total receipts of $10,621 and $9,647, respectively. Sundowners shows a balanced mix of sales in liquor, wine, and beer, while Jalapeno Tree leans heavily on liquor sales.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Don Felix Mexican Restaurant & Cantina LLC and Henderson Country Club Inc have total receipts of $6,250 and $6,207, respectively. Don Felix's sales are skewed towards liquor, whereas Henderson Country Club shows a more even distribution.
Smaller Players and Trends
Among the smaller players, Six Red Thorns, Inc. and Rusk Co. Memorial Post No. 8535, Veterans of Foreign Wars feature total sales of $5,249 and $4,478, respectively, with liquor taking the lead at both venues. This could point to a niche market or a loyal clientele base.
Finally, Orta's Restaurant closes the list with $1,782 in sales, heavily favoring liquor over beer. The absence of wine sales here could suggest an emphasis on a more straightforward drink menu.
Rusk Zip Codes By June 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
75652
|
8 | $147,536 |
$86,315
|
$1,694
|
$59,527
|
2. |
75654
|
1 | $10,621 |
$3,257
|
$1,889
|
$5,475
|
3. |
75681
|
1 | $5,249 |
$2,747
|
$24
|
$2,478
|
Highest Concentration of Alcohol Sales
When it comes to alcohol sales in Rusk for June 2025, Zip Code 75652 is the clear leader with $147,536 in total sales. This zip code accounts for the lion's share of the area's alcohol revenue, largely driven by its eight establishments. It's a bustling hub for alcohol purchases, suggesting a strong consumer base and vibrant nightlife or dining scene.
Differences in Types of Alcohol Sold
Each zip code presents a unique blend of alcohol preferences. In 75652, liquor is king, making up 59% of sales, while beer follows at 40% and wine trails far behind at 1%. In contrast, Zip Code 75654 shows a more balanced mix, with beer leading at 52% and a notable 18% of sales from wine, indicating a potential niche market. Meanwhile, 75681 sees a nearly even split between liquor and beer, with no wine sales, suggesting different consumer tastes or opportunities to introduce wine offerings.
Opportunities for New Establishments
Given the concentration of establishments in Zip Code 75652, there's little room for new players unless they offer something unique. However, Zip Codes 75654 and 75681, each with only one establishment, could benefit from increased competition. Particularly, 75681's lower sales figures might be boosted by introducing diverse alcohol options or capitalizing on the high liquor preference.
Interesting Patterns and Insights
It's intriguing to note the vast difference in sales volume between these zip codes, with 75652 dominating the market. This disparity might be driven by population density, local culture, or economic factors. The minimal presence of wine sales overall highlights an untapped potential for wine-focused establishments, especially in areas like 75654 where wine already has a noticeable share. Entrepreneurs might find opportunities by exploring why wine is less popular and addressing those market gaps.
Rusk Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun 2025 | 10 | $163,406 |
$92,319
|
$3,607
|
$67,480
|
12.1%
↓
|
May 2025 | 11 | $185,991 |
$111,806
|
$7,052
|
$67,133
|
7.5%
↑
|
Apr 2025 | 11 | $173,024 |
$101,807
|
$6,180
|
$65,037
|
5.7%
↓
|
Mar 2025 | 11 | $183,564 |
$111,459
|
$5,990
|
$66,115
|
20.7%
↑
|
Feb 2025 | 10 | $152,058 |
$90,566
|
$4,782
|
$56,710
|
1.3%
↑
|
Jan 2025 | 12 | $150,082 |
$83,373
|
$4,095
|
$52,838
|
10.1%
↓
|
Dec 2024 | 12 | $166,920 |
$95,891
|
$6,220
|
$62,231
|
2.7%
↓
|
Nov 2024 | 12 | $171,518 |
$100,156
|
$2,806
|
$65,978
|
26.1%
↓
|
Oct 2024 | 12 | $231,948 |
$129,216
|
$2,588
|
$97,566
|
52.3%
↑
|
Sep 2024 | 12 | $152,282 |
$93,484
|
$2,063
|
$56,735
|
11.2%
↓
|
Aug 2024 | 11 | $171,497 |
$103,374
|
$2,532
|
$63,013
|
11.6%
↑
|
Jul 2024 | 11 | $153,642 |
$93,709
|
$2,276
|
$57,657
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Rusk
Over the past 12 months, Rusk has seen a dynamic shift in alcohol sales, with fluctuations that provide insight into consumer preferences and market conditions. October 2024 was a standout month, hitting the highest sales with total receipts of $231,948, driven largely by significant liquor and beer sales.
Monthly Trends and Seasonal Patterns
Sales peaked in October 2024, which might suggest a seasonal boost, possibly due to events or holidays. This spike saw receipts soaring by 52.31% compared to September, indicating a strong market activity during this period. However, November saw a dramatic drop of 26.05% in total receipts, highlighting a potential post-peak lull.
Changes in Establishments and Sales Mix
There's been a notable fluctuation in the number of establishments, peaking at 12 from July 2024 to April 2025 before dipping to 10 in June 2025. This decrease coincided with a 12.14% drop in total receipts, suggesting a correlation between the number of establishments and overall sales performance. Interestingly, liquor consistently accounts for the majority of sales, with beer following closely, while wine remains a smaller portion of the sales mix.
Market Implications
The dominance of liquor sales, especially during peak months, suggests a strong consumer preference in Rusk. The consistent pattern of beer sales also points to a stable demand. Meanwhile, wine sales, despite being the smallest segment, showed variability, hinting at potential growth opportunities if tapped effectively. Business owners might consider leveraging these insights to tailor their inventory and marketing strategies, aligning with seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
Economic Overview
Rusk, Texas, serves as a vibrant hub within Cherokee County, with its economy primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city's fertile lands support a thriving agricultural sector, with crops and livestock being significant contributors. Additionally, the presence of light manufacturing facilities adds diversity to the local economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting community growth. The city also benefits from its strategic location, which attracts businesses seeking a balance between rural charm and access to larger metropolitan areas.
Healthcare plays a critical role in Rusk's economic landscape, with several medical facilities offering comprehensive services to residents and surrounding communities. The city's focus on healthcare has not only improved local health outcomes but also created a stable employment base. Economic development initiatives are in place to further enhance Rusk's business climate, encouraging investment and innovation within these core industries.
Cultural Scene
Rusk is rich in cultural heritage, celebrated through a variety of events and attractions that draw both residents and visitors. The Texas State Railroad provides a unique cultural experience, offering scenic rides through the Piney Woods and hosting seasonal events that highlight the region's history. The Rusk Civic Center is a focal point for community gatherings, hosting performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that showcase local talent and creativity.
Annual events such as the Heritage Festival and Fair on the Square are beloved traditions, bringing together craftspeople, musicians, and food vendors to celebrate the area's diverse cultural tapestry. These events provide excellent opportunities for networking and community engagement, making Rusk a culturally vibrant city.
Lifestyle
Rusk offers a charming blend of small-town warmth and dynamic living, with a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles. The historic downtown area is a popular spot, featuring quaint shops, local eateries, and community parks that enhance the city's appeal. Residential areas are characterized by their friendly atmosphere and proximity to schools, making them ideal for families.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the city's natural beauty, with numerous parks and recreational activities available. The local character is defined by a strong sense of community, volunteerism, and pride in maintaining the city's welcoming environment. This makes Rusk an attractive location for both families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Future Outlook
Rusk is poised for growth, with several development plans aimed at enhancing infrastructure, attracting new businesses, and improving quality of life. Investments in transportation and technology are expected to bolster the city's economic prospects, making it more attractive to investors and entrepreneurs. The city government is actively pursuing initiatives to diversify the local economy, support small businesses, and create sustainable development.
Population growth trends indicate a steady increase, driven by the city's appeal as a desirable place to live and work. This growth is anticipated to bring new opportunities and challenges, with a focus on maintaining Rusk's unique charm while fostering economic vitality. The future looks bright for Rusk as it continues to evolve into a thriving community with a strong economic foundation.