Travis County Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack in May 2025, JW Marriott Austin tops the list with total receipts of $1,487,148. The hotel shows a strong preference for liquor sales, racking up $1,015,634, and has notable wine sales at $301,588. This makes it a go-to spot for those seeking a premium drinking experience.

Hot on its heels, Ojos Locos Sports Cantina made a mark with total sales of $1,348,115, driven largely by beer sales amounting to $894,067. It’s the place to be for beer enthusiasts, while its minimal wine sales suggest a clear focus on brews and spirits.

Noteworthy Trends

Levy at Austin FC demonstrates the power of sports venues in alcohol sales, boasting $849,778 in beer sales out of a total of $1,152,156. This indicates a thriving market for beer in sporting environments, tapping into the audience’s preference for a classic game-day beverage.

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa stands out with a strong performance in liquor sales, amounting to $685,931. The venue’s ability to generate high liquor sales underscores its appeal to those seeking a refined drinking experience, possibly catering to a more upscale clientele.

Emerging Players and Interesting Facts

ABA Austin and Proper Hotel are neck and neck, each surpassing the $1 million mark in total receipts. Both establishments show a balanced approach to sales, with ABA Austin slightly favoring beer, while Proper Hotel leans heavily into liquor sales.

On the more unique end, Matt's El Rancho, Inc. recorded an impressive $781,378 in liquor sales, accounting for nearly all its total receipts of $834,423. This suggests a strong specialization in liquor offerings, making it a standout among its peers.

Meanwhile, De Nada Cantina achieved a remarkable $602,134 in liquor sales, almost capturing the total receipts of $623,978, despite having minimal beer and wine sales. This indicates a focused strategy on liquor that seems to be paying off.

Top Performing Areas

The standout performer in alcohol sales is undoubtedly Zip Code 78701, which boasts an impressive $33,514,012 in total sales across 278 establishments. This area is characterized by a strong preference for liquor, making up 68% of its sales mix. Following 78701, Zip Code 78704 and Zip Code 78702 also show robust sales figures, with $11,830,194 and $11,498,859 respectively, both displaying a similar penchant for liquor dominance.

Alcohol Preferences Across Zip Codes

While liquor remains the dominant choice across most zip codes, there are notable variations. For instance, Zip Code 78703 has a significant preference for wine, making up 28% of its sales, which is one of the highest proportions among the zip codes. Conversely, Zip Code 78752 shows a balanced sales mix, with beer accounting for 50% of its sales.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Examining establishment density and total sales can reveal opportunities for new businesses. For example, Zip Code 78712, despite having only 5 establishments, generates $1,898,633 in sales, indicating potential for new entrants. Similarly, Zip Code 78719 with 21 establishments and $1,992,231 in sales might benefit from additional outlets.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

One interesting observation is the strong correlation between the number of establishments and total sales in some zip codes, such as 78701 and 78704, suggesting high foot traffic and consumer demand. However, other areas like Zip Code 78730 with only 4 establishments still manage a respectable $467,253 in sales, highlighting a concentrated demand perhaps due to fewer competitors.

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Travis

The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster for alcohol sales in Travis, with some significant highs and lows. The month of October 2024 was a standout, with total receipts hitting a peak at $126 million. This surge was driven by high liquor sales, which accounted for over $75 million, and beer sales approaching $34 million. Clearly, October was a bountiful time for the industry, possibly fueled by seasonal events and festivities.

Monthly Fluctuations and Trends

Despite the October peak, the following months saw a decline, with December marking a drop of 5.45% in total receipts. This downward trend continued into early 2025, with January experiencing a significant dip of 19.06%. However, March 2025 brought a strong rebound, with receipts jumping 29.39%, suggesting a potential recovery or seasonal uptick that businesses might leverage.

Sales Mix: Liquor, Wine, and Beer

Liquor consistently led the sales mix, often comprising the largest slice of monthly receipts. Interestingly, while beer sales fluctuated, they spiked notably in October and remained robust in the months prior. Wine sales, on the other hand, exhibited more steadiness, with minor fluctuations but generally hovering around $14 million each month. This indicates a stable demand for wine, even when other categories were more volatile.

Establishment Dynamics and Market Changes

There was notable volatility in the number of establishments throughout the year. From a high in April 2025 with 1,512 establishments, May saw a decrease of 4.76%, reflecting potential market contractions or consolidations. These shifts might suggest that the market is adjusting to changing consumer demands or economic pressures, indicating a more competitive and dynamic environment.

Key Takeaways for Business Strategy

For businesses looking to capitalize on these trends, it's crucial to note the high sales periods and adjust inventory and marketing strategies accordingly. The significant spikes in October and March suggest lucrative opportunities for promotions and events. Additionally, keeping an eye on the balance between liquor, wine, and beer sales can help tailor offerings to meet consumer preferences, ensuring a robust response to both peak and off-peak demands.