Wharton County Alcohol Sales

Top Performer: Los Cucos Mexican Cafe

Leading the pack by a wide margin is Los Cucos Mexican Cafe at 805 E Jackson St, raking in a total of $57,049. The bulk of their sales comes from liquor, amounting to $43,355, complemented by $13,099 in beer sales and a modest $595 from wine. Their performance highlights the strong demand for liquor at this popular spot.

Notable Presence Without Alcohol Sales

Interestingly, both the El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Monterey Square Business Association each reported total receipts of $44,776, despite having no sales from liquor, wine, or beer. This suggests these venues may be hosting events or other activities contributing to their high receipts.

Standout Bars and Grills

The Dawg House Saloon & Grill also made an appearance with $38,912 in total receipts, yet like the chambers mentioned above, these figures aren't linked to alcohol sales. Meanwhile, the Greek Bros Oyster Bar & Saloon reported $23,130 in total receipts with a balanced mix of liquor, wine, and beer sales, showcasing a diverse beverage offering.

Mexican Cafes and Their Liquor Dominance

Lupe's Mexican Cafe follows the trend of high liquor sales with $16,229 out of their $21,401 total receipts. This emphasis on liquor sales is a notable trend among Mexican-themed establishments in the area, indicating a strong customer preference for spirits over wine or beer.

Pure Liquor Sales at Prairie Switch Distillery

Another notable entry is Prairie Switch Distillery, LLC, which recorded $12,733 solely from liquor sales. This focused approach on liquor suggests a niche market appeal, catering specifically to spirit enthusiasts in Wharton.

Diverse Offerings at Smaller Venues

Smaller venues like Way Bar and Sorellas demonstrate a more balanced approach with a mix of liquor, wine, and beer, appealing to a broader clientele. Their varied offerings help them sustain steady sales figures, with Way Bar achieving $18,016 and Sorellas $11,728 in total receipts.

Top Performing Zip Codes

The clear front-runner in Wharton for October 2025 is Zip Code 77437, raking in a whopping $192,680 in alcohol sales across 12 establishments. This area shows a strong preference for liquor, which accounts for 50% of its sales mix, with beer also contributing significantly at 23%.

Following closely is Zip Code 77488, with $104,369 in sales spread over 8 establishments. Here, the sales mix is more balanced, with liquor making up 31% and beer at 21%, suggesting a diverse consumer preference.

Sales Mix Variations

Interestingly, Zip Code 77435 leans heavily towards liquor, which comprises 58% of its total sales. This suggests a potential niche market or consumer preference that new businesses might want to tap into. Meanwhile, Zip Code 77443 is predominantly beer-focused, with 67% of its sales coming from beer.

In contrast, Zip Code 77420 presents a curious case with zero sales attributed to liquor, wine, or beer. This could indicate a data anomaly or a unique local market condition worth investigating further.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With only one establishment each, Zip Codes 77420 and 77443 might offer room for new entrants looking to capture a portion of the local market. Particularly, 77420's unexplained zero sales might suggest untapped potential if the reasons behind it can be uncovered and addressed.

Additionally, the high concentration of sales in the top-performing zip codes like 77437 and 77488 suggests these areas could support further growth, possibly through specialized offerings or unique customer experiences that differentiate from existing competitors.

Market Insights

Overall, Wharton's alcohol market shows distinct preferences in different regions, with liquor dominating some areas while beer leads in others. For businesses looking to enter or expand within Wharton, understanding these local preferences and the existing competitive landscape could be key to success.

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Wharton

Over the past year, Wharton has seen some interesting fluctuations in alcohol sales, with the total number of establishments generally increasing and a notable peak in sales during the summer. The total number of establishments rose from 21 in February to 24 by October, suggesting a growing market presence.

Seasonal Sales Patterns

The summer months, particularly July, marked the highest sales figures, with a total of $477,650 in receipts. This increase was likely driven by seasonal demand, as summer often brings more social gatherings and events. July's sales spike was fueled by significant liquor and beer sales, indicating a preference for these beverages during warmer months.

Monthly Sales Analysis

After reaching the peak in July, sales took a dip in subsequent months, with September experiencing a noticeable downturn of 21.1%. However, October showed signs of recovery with a 12.33% increase, suggesting that the market is stabilizing after the summer rush and gearing up for potential year-end festivities.

Changes in Sales Mix

Throughout the year, liquor consistently accounted for the largest share of sales, peaking in July. Beer sales also mirrored this trend, while wine remained a smaller but steady portion of the market. This indicates a strong consumer preference for liquor and beer over wine in Wharton, which could guide inventory and marketing strategies for local businesses.

Implications for the Market

Overall, Wharton's alcohol market is showing positive growth, with an expanding number of establishments and varied sales patterns that reflect consumer preferences and seasonal events. For businesses, the data suggests opportunities to capitalize on peak periods like summer and early fall while focusing on liquor and beer as key products. With these insights, businesses can better align their strategies to meet market demands and maximize sales potential.