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Nestled in the heart of Southeast Texas, Wharton is a city that boasts a rich blend of history and culture, serving as a vital hub for the surrounding region. Known for its charming downtown and strong community ties, Wharton offers a unique perspective on the state's vibrant economic landscape. In this article, we delve into a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Wharton's alcohol sales market, highlighting key trends and insights as of April 2025.

The first section brings you a detailed table and analysis of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Wharton. Discover which local businesses are leading the charge in alcohol sales and what factors might be driving their success. Following this, our breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code reveals which areas of Wharton have the highest concentration of sales, offering intriguing insights into the city's consumption patterns.

Finally, our monthly trends analysis provides a captivating look at how alcohol sales in Wharton have evolved over the past year. By examining these trends, readers can gain a deeper understanding of seasonal variations and potential future shifts in the market. Join us as we explore these fascinating facets of Wharton's alcohol sales landscape, providing a clearer picture of this essential aspect of local commerce.

Top 21 Wharton Businesses By June 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Wharton for June 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
El Campo Lost Lagoon
$173,696
$111,894
$757
$61,045
2.
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe
$59,119
$44,620
$602
$13,897
3.
Dawg House Saloon & Grill
$22,966
$10,688
$28
$12,250
4.
Lupe's Mexican Cafe
$17,246
$13,635
$31
$3,580
5.
Scheller's
$16,801
$4,855
$0
$11,946
6.
Greek Bros Oyster Bar & Saloon
$16,620
$8,320
$2,225
$6,075
7.
Way Bar
$16,556
$6,208
$54
$10,294
8.
El Campo Country Club
$13,719
$7,399
$2,168
$4,152
9.
La Casona Mexican Restaurant
$12,065
$7,455
$0
$4,610
10.
J's Corner Tavern
$10,592
$4,679
$0
$5,913
11.
El Campo Beverage, Inc.
$9,920
$4,412
$0
$5,508
12.
Prairie Switch Distillery, LLC
$9,611
$9,611
$0
$0
13.
Jalapenos Cantina
$9,525
$7,047
$0
$2,478
14.
Sorellas
$7,995
$5,497
$1,453
$1,045
15.
Wharton Cc Beverage, LLC
$6,885
$2,940
$1,305
$2,640
16.
Los Charritos Mexican Grill Inc #2
$4,240
$2,570
$0
$1,670
17.
B P O E El Campo #1749
$3,015
$708
$120
$2,187
18.
Jackson Street Coffee & Market
$2,356
$1,237
$391
$728
19.
La Chiquita
$1,653
$529
$0
$1,124
20.
Wharton Country Club
$0
$0
$0
$0
21.
Christine Ocean Sea Food & Grill
$0
$0
$0
$0

Top Performer: El Campo Lost Lagoon

The standout in Wharton's alcohol sales for June 2025 is El Campo Lost Lagoon, located at 665 County Road 451. With total receipts of $173,696, it's clear this venue is a local favorite. A significant portion of their sales comes from liquor, totaling $111,894, complemented by $61,045 in beer sales.

Strong Performers: Los Cucos and Dawg House

Los Cucos Mexican Cafe and Dawg House Saloon & Grill also made their mark with significant sales figures. Los Cucos, at 805 E Jackson St, brought in $59,119, with liquor sales dominating at $44,620. Meanwhile, Dawg House Saloon & Grill achieved $22,966 in total receipts, with a nearly balanced split between liquor and beer.

Noteworthy Trends

It's interesting to note the variance in wine sales across establishments. For instance, Lupe's Mexican Cafe leads with $13,635 in liquor sales despite minimal wine sales at $31. Similarly, Greek Bros Oyster Bar & Saloon shows a balanced mix of liquor, wine, and beer, making it a versatile choice for patrons.

Emerging and Specialty Spots

Prairie Switch Distillery, LLC is a standout for those interested in spirits, reporting $9,611 solely from liquor sales, indicating a focus on distilled beverages. Meanwhile, Jalapenos Cantina, with $9,525 in total receipts, leans heavily on liquor with $7,047, suggesting a popularity for cocktails.

Lower-Performing Venues

While Wharton Country Club and Christine Ocean Seafood & Grill reported no alcohol sales, other venues like La Chiquita and Jackson Street Coffee & Market have modest sales, indicating potential growth areas. These spots might benefit from strategic marketing or diversifying their offerings to boost future sales.

Wharton Zip Codes By June 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Wharton for June 2025, ranked by total sales. Shows the number of establishments and a breakdown of sales types for each area.
# Zip Code Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
77437
11 $299,234
$195,777
$6,263
$97,194
2.
77488
6 $41,777
$23,141
$2,758
$15,878
3.
77435
2 $33,802
$19,843
$85
$13,874
4.
77420
1 $22,966
$10,688
$28
$12,250
5.
77443
1 $16,801
$4,855
$0
$11,946

Top-Selling Zip Codes

When it comes to alcohol sales in Wharton for June 2025, Zip Code 77437 is the clear front-runner, pulling in a whopping $299,234 from its 11 establishments. This area accounts for the majority of the sales with a strong preference for liquor, making up 65% of the sales mix.

In contrast, Zip Code 77488 is the runner-up but with a significantly lower total of $41,777 across six establishments. Here, liquor is still the top choice at 55%, but there is a slightly higher demand for wine compared to 77437, albeit still small at 7%.

Alcohol Preferences

Across the zip codes, there's a noticeable variation in the types of alcohol that are most popular. For instance, Zip Code 77435 shows a strong inclination towards liquor and beer, with 59% of sales coming from liquor and 41% from beer, and no wine sales.

Interestingly, Zip Code 77420 presents a balanced preference with 47% liquor and 53% beer, while Zip Code 77443 leans heavily towards beer at 71%, the highest percentage among all the zip codes, with liquor sales trailing at 29%.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With only one establishment, Zip Code 77420 and Zip Code 77443 might present opportunities for new businesses to tap into the market. Given the strong beer sales in 77443, a new venture focusing on craft or specialty beers could find a ready audience.

Meanwhile, the dominance of liquor in 77437 suggests that additional establishments offering a diverse range of spirits could capitalize on existing consumer preferences.

Additional Insights

Overall, there's a strong preference for liquor across all zip codes, but the presence of wine is surprisingly low, indicating a potential gap in the market. Establishments looking to diversify might consider introducing wine options to test their appeal.

The data also highlights that despite having fewer establishments, some zip codes like 77420 and 77443 maintain a healthy sales volume, suggesting a loyal customer base that could be further developed with targeted marketing strategies.

Wharton Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Wharton. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Jun 2025 21 $414,580
$254,304
$9,134
$151,142
12.7%
May 2025 23 $474,910
$287,459
$8,602
$177,357
79.9%
Apr 2025 22 $263,943
$154,283
$7,166
$102,494
11.4%
Mar 2025 22 $297,870
$175,781
$7,418
$114,671
31.2%
Feb 2025 21 $226,978
$143,560
$6,227
$77,191
13.8%
Jan 2025 24 $263,199
$154,991
$6,965
$92,375
1.2%
Dec 2024 24 $260,005
$156,999
$9,568
$93,438
5.3%
Nov 2024 24 $274,501
$163,575
$9,393
$101,533
1.6%
Oct 2024 26 $279,017
$160,486
$8,940
$105,158
33.2%
Sep 2024 26 $417,682
$249,151
$8,114
$160,417
8.1%
Aug 2024 24 $454,627
$237,591
$9,025
$208,011
0.8%
Jul 2024 24 $451,125
$265,182
$10,595
$175,348
0%

Overall Sales Trends

Over the past year, Wharton has seen some interesting shifts in alcohol sales, with the highest sales recorded in May 2025 at a whopping $474,910. This was a significant jump from the preceding months, particularly April, which saw sales of $263,943. The May surge could be attributed to seasonal events or promotions that boosted consumer spending. However, June 2025 experienced a notable decline of 12.7% in total receipts, suggesting a potential cooling off after May's peak.

Liquor, Wine, and Beer Breakdown

When we break down the sales into liquor, wine, and beer, liquor consistently leads the pack, with the highest liquor sales in May at $287,459. Beer sales also saw a significant boost in May at $177,357, indicating a potential preference for beer during warmer months. Wine sales remained relatively stable across the year, hovering around the $9,000 mark, with minor fluctuations.

Seasonal and Establishment Changes

Seasonal patterns are quite evident, with peaks in sales during the summer months, notably in August 2024. Interestingly, the number of establishments fluctuated slightly, peaking at 26 in both September and October 2024 but then dropping to 21 by June 2025. This fluctuation in establishments may suggest market consolidation or seasonal business closures impacting overall sales figures.

Market Implications

The data indicates a strong market for liquor and beer, particularly during summer and early spring, hinting at opportunities for businesses to capitalize on these seasonal trends. The consistent sales of wine, despite being lower than the other categories, suggest a loyal customer base that businesses could tap into with targeted strategies. Overall, understanding these patterns can help businesses in Wharton optimize their inventory and marketing strategies to align with consumer preferences and seasonal demands.

Economic Overview

Wharton, Texas, boasts a dynamic economic landscape characterized by a blend of agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The city serves as a regional hub for agricultural production, with rice and cotton being significant contributors to the local economy. In recent years, Wharton has seen growth in the manufacturing sector, particularly in metal fabrication and machinery production, which has attracted both national and international investors.

The business climate in Wharton is supportive and growth-oriented, with local government initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The city's strategic location along major highways enhances its logistics and transportation sectors, further cementing its role as a vital economic player in the region.

Cultural Scene

Wharton's cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of events and attractions that reflect its rich heritage. The annual Wharton County Youth Fair and Exposition is a highlight, drawing visitors from across Texas for its mix of agricultural showcases, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Another cultural gem is the Plaza Theatre, a beautifully restored venue that hosts plays, concerts, and community events throughout the year.

The city's commitment to preserving its history is evident in the Wharton County Historical Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits that celebrate the area's past. The museum frequently hosts workshops and educational programs, making it a key player in Wharton's cultural landscape.

Lifestyle

Wharton offers a charming lifestyle that combines small-town warmth with modern amenities. Popular neighborhoods such as Caney Trails and River Valley are known for their welcoming communities and picturesque settings. The city center features a mix of historic architecture and contemporary developments, providing a unique backdrop for local businesses and dining establishments.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Wharton's proximity to the Colorado River, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. The city's parks and green spaces are ideal for family outings and community gatherings, contributing to Wharton's appealing quality of life.

Future Outlook

Wharton is poised for significant growth, with several development projects on the horizon aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and residential offerings. The city's proactive approach to economic development includes initiatives to attract tech companies and expand broadband access, ensuring that Wharton remains competitive in the digital age.

As Wharton continues to evolve, its strategic planning and commitment to sustainable growth promise a bright future. Investors and businesses can look forward to a supportive environment that encourages innovation while maintaining the city's unique character and community spirit.