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 11 Rusk Businesses By May 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp
|
$80,178 |
$54,217
|
$1,385
|
$24,576
|
2. |
Boomer's
|
$37,313 |
$20,646
|
$366
|
$16,301
|
3. |
Henderson Star Cafe
|
$20,296 |
$11,443
|
$0
|
$8,853
|
4. |
Sundowners Bar & Grill
|
$13,866 |
$5,357
|
$5,138
|
$3,371
|
5. |
Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant
|
$11,724 |
$7,815
|
$47
|
$3,862
|
6. |
Don Felix Mexican Restaurant & Cantina LLC
|
$6,003 |
$3,586
|
$0
|
$2,417
|
7. |
Rusk Co. Memorial Post No. 8535, Veterans of Forei
|
$5,173 |
$3,113
|
$43
|
$2,017
|
8. |
Henderson Country Club Inc
|
$4,994 |
$2,121
|
$49
|
$2,824
|
9. |
Six Red Thorns, Inc.
|
$4,893 |
$2,484
|
$24
|
$2,385
|
10. |
Orta's Restaurant
|
$1,551 |
$1,024
|
$0
|
$527
|
11. |
Tequila Veintiuno Mexican Cuisine
|
$0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Rusk
In May 2025, Tia Juanita's Fish Camp led the pack as the top alcohol-selling establishment in Rusk with total receipts amounting to $80,178. Liquor sales dominated their revenue at $54,217, complemented by beer sales of $24,576. Their wine sales, however, were modest at $1,385.
Boomer's took the second spot with total sales of $37,313. Liquor sales were a significant contributor at $20,646, while beer sales brought in $16,301. Wine sales were minimal, totaling only $366.
Henderson Star Cafe secured third place with total receipts of $20,296. Their sales were primarily driven by liquor at $11,443, followed by beer at $8,853, with no wine sales reported.
Mid-Range Performers
Sundowners Bar & Grill reported total sales of $13,866. Unlike others in the list, they had a balanced approach with significant wine sales at $5,138, alongside $5,357 in liquor sales and $3,371 in beer sales.
Meanwhile, Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant reported $11,724 in total sales, with liquor being the standout at $7,815. Beer generated $3,862 in revenue, while wine sales were negligible at $47.
Other Noteworthy Establishments
Don Felix Mexican Restaurant & Cantina LLC and Rusk Co. Memorial Post No. 8535, Veterans of Foreign Wars posted total sales of $6,003 and $5,173, respectively. Both had higher liquor sales compared to beer, with Don Felix not reporting any wine sales.
At the lower end, Henderson Country Club Inc and Six Red Thorns, Inc. showed similar sales figures of around $5,000, with a slight preference for beer over liquor in their revenue streams.
Interestingly, Tequila Veintiuno Mexican Cuisine reported no sales in May 2025, marking a notable absence from the competitive scene.
Rusk Zip Codes By May 2025 Alcohol Sales
# | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
75652
|
8 | $167,232 |
$103,965
|
$1,890
|
$61,377
|
2. |
75654
|
2 | $13,866 |
$5,357
|
$5,138
|
$3,371
|
3. |
75681
|
1 | $4,893 |
$2,484
|
$24
|
$2,385
|
Top-Selling Zip Code: 75652
When it comes to alcohol sales in Rusk, Zip Code 75652 is leading the charge with a whopping $167,232 in total sales. This area houses the majority of establishments, with 8 out of the 11 in the entire region. The sales mix here is heavily skewed towards liquor, making up 62% of total sales, while beer follows at 37% and wine barely registers at 1%.
Sales Distribution Across Zip Codes
Zip Code 75654 is the next in line, but with a significantly lower sales total of $13,866 across just 2 establishments. The sales mix here is more balanced, with liquor at 39%, wine at 37%, and beer at 24%. On the other hand, Zip Code 75681, with only $4,893 in sales and a single establishment, shows a strong preference for liquor and beer, each nearly splitting the market at 51% and 49%, respectively, with no wine sales recorded.
Opportunities for New Establishments
Given the high concentration of sales and establishments in Zip Code 75652, there might be opportunities for new businesses to explore the less saturated areas of 75654 and 75681. These zip codes have fewer establishments, suggesting potential for growth, particularly if new businesses can cater to the local preferences in alcohol type.
Interesting Patterns and Insights
One intriguing pattern is the stark contrast in wine sales between the zip codes. While wine barely makes an appearance in 75652 and is completely absent in 75681, it represents a significant 37% of sales in 75654. This suggests a niche market that could be further explored in 75654, especially if new establishments can capitalize on this preference. Overall, the data indicates a robust market for liquor across all regions, with beer also maintaining a strong presence, particularly in 75652 and 75681.
Rusk Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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
|
6.3%
↓
|
Jun 2024 | 11 | $163,905 |
$98,314
|
$2,272
|
$63,319
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Rusk's Alcohol Sales Trends
In the past year, the alcohol sales landscape in Rusk has seen some interesting shifts. One of the most notable trends was the spike in sales during October 2024, when total receipts hit a high of $231,948. This peak was driven by a significant increase in liquor and beer sales, suggesting a possible seasonal or event-related surge that month.
Liquor vs. Beer vs. Wine
Throughout the year, liquor consistently led in sales, contributing the most to total receipts each month. For instance, in May 2025, liquor sales accounted for $111,806 out of $185,991 in total receipts. Beer, while also a strong performer, showed more variability, with peak sales aligning with the October 2024 high. Wine, on the other hand, made up a smaller portion of sales, indicating a potential niche market or preference for other types of alcohol among consumers.
Seasonal Patterns and Market Insights
Seasonal patterns are evident in the data, with summer and early fall months like July and August showing moderate sales, followed by a dramatic increase in October. This could reflect seasonal events, tourism, or local festivities that boost consumption. Notably, sales dipped in November following the October peak, suggesting a possible saturation or reduced demand post-event.
Changes in Establishments and Receipts
The number of establishments remained relatively stable, with a slight fluctuation in February 2025 when the count dropped to 10. Despite this, sales rebounded quickly, indicating a resilient market capable of bouncing back even with fewer outlets. The overall trend shows a steady increase in total receipts, with a significant 7.49% rise from April to May 2025, pointing to a growing demand across the board.
Market Implications
For businesses considering entering or expanding in the Rusk market, these trends suggest a robust and dynamic sales environment. The dominance of liquor sales and the potential for event-driven spikes offer opportunities for targeted marketing and promotions. Additionally, understanding the seasonal patterns could help in strategic planning for inventory and staffing during peak times.
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.