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 September 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp
|
$58,923 |
$38,638
|
$881
|
$19,404
|
| 2. |
Boomer's
|
$33,034 |
$18,517
|
$472
|
$14,045
|
| 3. |
Henderson Star Cafe
|
$14,631 |
$7,139
|
$0
|
$7,492
|
| 4. |
Don Felix Mexican Restaurant & Cantina LLC
|
$8,990 |
$3,210
|
$0
|
$5,780
|
| 5. |
Sundowners Bar & Grill
|
$8,883 |
$4,843
|
$1,359
|
$2,681
|
| 6. |
Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant
|
$8,702 |
$5,533
|
$94
|
$3,075
|
| 7. |
Rusk Co. Memorial Post No. 8535, Veterans of Forei
|
$7,743 |
$4,772
|
$35
|
$2,936
|
| 8. |
Henderson Country Club Inc
|
$4,600 |
$2,066
|
$245
|
$2,289
|
| 9. |
Orta's Restaurant
|
$1,776 |
$894
|
$0
|
$882
|
| 10. |
Six Red Thorns, Inc.
|
$1,134 |
$594
|
$80
|
$460
|
| 11. |
Lake Striker Rv Resort and Restaurant
|
$0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Rusk
At the top of the list, we have Tia Juanita's Fish Camp with impressive total receipts of $58,923. This establishment leads the pack by a significant margin, with liquor sales hitting $38,638. Their beer offerings are also popular, generating $19,404, leaving wine trailing at $881.
In second place, Boomer's has total receipts of $33,034. They have a solid focus on liquor as well, with sales reaching $18,517. Beer sales are not far behind at $14,045, while wine remains a modest part of their sales mix at $472.
Henderson Star Cafe comes in third with total sales of $14,631. Notably, this cafe strikes a balance between liquor and beer, with $7,139 and $7,492 in sales, respectively. Interestingly, wine doesn't feature in their sales at all.
Insights and Trends
One interesting trend is the dominance of liquor sales at most establishments. Even the smaller players like Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant and Rusk Co. Memorial Post No. 8535 are seeing liquor sales surpassing beer. Wine appears to take a backseat across the board, except at Sundowners Bar & Grill, which had $1,359 in wine sales.
It's also worth noting that Lake Striker RV Resort and Restaurant reported no alcohol sales for this period, which could be a signal for potential opportunities or changes coming. Overall, US Highway 79 seems to be the hub for alcohol sales in Rusk, with most top establishments located along this route.
Rusk Zip Codes By September 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
75652
|
8 | $138,399 |
$80,769
|
$1,727
|
$55,903
|
| 2. |
75654
|
1 | $8,883 |
$4,843
|
$1,359
|
$2,681
|
| 3. |
75681
|
1 | $1,134 |
$594
|
$80
|
$460
|
Top Zip Code for Alcohol Sales
When it comes to alcohol sales in Rusk for September 2025, zip code 75652 is the clear frontrunner. With a whopping $138,399 in sales out of the total $148,416, this area accounts for the lion's share of the market. There are eight establishments here, making it a bustling hub for liquor, beer, and a smidge of wine.
Sales Mix Across Zip Codes
Each zip code has its unique sales mix. In 75652, the focus is predominantly on liquor, which makes up 58% of the sales, followed by beer at 40%, and a minimal presence of wine at 1%. Meanwhile, in 75654, liquor also leads at 55%, but wine has a more significant share of 15%, with beer at 30%. Lastly, 75681 shows a similar trend with 52% liquor, 41% beer, and 7% wine.
Opportunities for New Establishments
Given the current distribution of establishments, there could be room for growth in zip codes 75654 and 75681. With only one establishment each, these areas might benefit from new businesses to cater to local preferences and increase competition. Particularly in 75681, the demand for beer seems relatively strong, suggesting potential for a craft beer venue.
Additional Insights
One interesting pattern is the consistent preference for liquor across all zip codes, suggesting a strong local demand for spirits. Additionally, the low wine sales in zip codes 75652 and 75681 might indicate untapped potential for a niche market. Exploring targeted marketing strategies or specialty wine offerings could attract a new customer base in these areas.
Rusk Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | 11 | $148,416 |
$86,206
|
$3,166
|
$59,044
|
31%
↓
|
| Aug 2025 | 11 | $215,154 |
$90,072
|
$2,746
|
$59,631
|
45.6%
↑
|
| Jul 2025 | 11 | $147,739 |
$84,364
|
$4,221
|
$59,154
|
9.6%
↓
|
| 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
|
0%
↑
|
Overview of Alcohol Sales in Rusk
Over the past year, alcohol sales in Rusk have shown some interesting fluctuations. The highest sales were recorded in October 2024, with total receipts peaking at $231,948. This suggests a strong seasonal demand, possibly linked to local events or holidays. However, by September 2025, sales had dropped significantly to $148,416, indicating a 31.02% decrease from the previous month.
Trends in Liquor, Wine, and Beer Sales
Liquor consistently dominated the sales mix, accounting for the largest portion of total receipts each month. October 2024 saw liquor sales soar to $129,216, but they tapered off to $86,206 by September 2025. Beer sales, while fluctuating, maintained a steady presence, with a noticeable high in October 2024 at $97,566. Wine sales, on the other hand, have seen minimal impact on total sales, maintaining a modest but consistent contribution.
Market Dynamics and Establishment Changes
The number of establishments serving alcohol remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. Notably, there was a decrease from 12 to 10 establishments by February 2025, which might have influenced sales volumes. Despite this, the number of establishments bounced back to 11 by March 2025, indicating a resilient market with potential for growth.
Implications for Business Strategy
For businesses looking to capitalize on these trends, focusing on peak sales periods such as October could be beneficial. Additionally, given the strong performance of liquor and beer, ensuring a diverse and attractive selection in these categories might drive sales. Monitoring seasonal trends and adjusting inventory and marketing strategies accordingly could provide an edge in this dynamic market.
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.