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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 22 Wharton Businesses By May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Wharton for May 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
El Campo Lost Lagoon
$178,003
$110,177
$451
$67,375
2.
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe
$70,035
$52,509
$885
$16,641
3.
Dawg House Saloon & Grill
$35,645
$16,025
$94
$19,526
4.
Lupe's Mexican Cafe
$26,050
$20,773
$76
$5,201
5.
Way Bar
$23,390
$9,234
$53
$14,103
6.
El Campo Country Club
$17,257
$9,195
$2,125
$5,937
7.
La Casona Mexican Restaurant
$16,644
$10,868
$0
$5,776
8.
Greek Bros Oyster Bar & Saloon
$16,482
$8,122
$2,105
$6,255
9.
Scheller's
$16,234
$4,874
$0
$11,360
10.
Wharton Cc Beverage, LLC
$14,659
$7,364
$1,007
$6,288
11.
J's Corner Tavern
$11,623
$5,325
$0
$6,298
12.
Jalapenos Cantina
$10,189
$7,701
$0
$2,488
13.
Prairie Switch Distillery, LLC
$10,055
$10,055
$0
$0
14.
El Campo Beverage, Inc.
$8,750
$3,875
$0
$4,875
15.
Los Charritos Mexican Grill Inc #2
$6,244
$4,744
$0
$1,500
16.
Sorellas
$6,196
$4,012
$1,515
$669
17.
B P O E El Campo #1749
$2,630
$948
$30
$1,652
18.
La Chiquita
$1,836
$950
$0
$886
19.
Jackson Street Coffee & Market
$1,496
$708
$261
$527
20.
Wharton Country Club
$0
$0
$0
$0
21.
Christine Ocean Sea Food & Grill
$0
$0
$0
$0
22.
J's Bar & Grill
$0
$0
$0
$0

Top Performers in Wharton's Alcohol Market

Leading the pack this month is El Campo Lost Lagoon, with impressive total receipts of $178,003. Their liquor sales alone bring in $110,177, showcasing their strength in this category. Beer also plays a significant role, contributing $67,375 to the total.

Los Cucos Mexican Cafe follows with $70,035 in total sales. Liquor remains their strong suit at $52,509, while beer contributes a smaller yet notable $16,641. This establishment continues to maintain a balance between liquor and beer sales.

Noteworthy Trends and Insights

Dawg House Saloon & Grill secures the third spot with $35,645. Interestingly, beer sales slightly surpass liquor, a trend not commonly seen among the top earners. Their focus on beer seems to resonate well with their clientele.

At Lupe's Mexican Cafe, liquor sales dominate, making up nearly 80% of their total receipts of $26,050. This suggests a strong preference for cocktails and spirits among their patrons.

Interesting Observations

Despite its smaller size, Prairie Switch Distillery, LLC is unique for its exclusive focus on liquor, achieving $10,055 in sales with no beer or wine offerings. This specialization could indicate a niche market or a dedicated customer base.

El Campo Country Club shows a balanced approach with liquor, wine, and beer sales contributing to their total of $17,257. This diversity might cater well to a varied audience, possibly due to the club's diverse events and gatherings.

Lower Performers and Zero Sales

Several establishments, including Wharton Country Club and Christine Ocean Sea Food & Grill, recorded zero sales, which might be due to temporary closures or strategic shifts in business operations. Understanding the reasons behind these figures could be crucial for future business planning.

Overall, the data reveals a healthy mix of high liquor and beer sales across Wharton's top establishments, with some venues showing interesting specialization and others maintaining a balanced offering across all categories.

Wharton Zip Codes By May 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Wharton for May 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 $316,733
$204,240
$5,857
$106,636
2.
77488
6 $55,366
$32,313
$2,522
$20,531
3.
77435
2 $49,440
$30,007
$129
$19,304
4.
77420
1 $35,645
$16,025
$94
$19,526
5.
77443
1 $16,234
$4,874
$0
$11,360
6.
77455
1 $0
$0
$0
$0

Top Performing Zip Codes

When it comes to alcohol sales in Wharton for May 2025, Zip Code 77437 is the clear leader with a whopping $316,733 in sales. This area not only boasts the highest sales but also the highest number of establishments at 11. It's a prime spot for those interested in tapping into a lucrative market, especially in liquor sales, which make up 64% of the area's alcohol sales mix.

Sales Mix Variations

Each zip code in Wharton shows a unique preference in alcohol types. For instance, Zip Code 77443 is heavily skewed towards beer, with 70% of its sales coming from beer alone. Meanwhile, in Zip Code 77420, beer also takes the lead but with a slightly lower share at 55%. These variations highlight the need for tailored business strategies focusing on the dominant beverage type in each area.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With only one establishment, Zip Codes 77420 and 77443 have room for expansion. Despite their limited establishments, they still manage to generate significant sales, indicating potential for new businesses to capture a share of the market. Additionally, Zip Code 77455 recorded no sales despite having an establishment, suggesting a need for market analysis to understand and activate potential demand.

Intriguing Insights

An interesting insight is the minimal presence of wine sales across the board, with some areas like Zip Codes 77435, 77420, and 77443 reporting no wine sales at all. This could point to an opportunity for niche wine markets to develop. Overall, the data suggests that while liquor leads in sales, there's potential to diversify the offerings in Wharton's alcohol market.

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
May 2025 22 $473,418
$287,459
$8,602
$177,357
79.4%
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
7.9%
Jun 2024 24 $418,135
$248,427
$10,190
$159,518
0%

Sales Surge in May 2025

May 2025 was a standout month for alcohol sales in Wharton, with total receipts hitting a high of $473,418. This represents a whopping 79.36% increase from April. Liquor sales spearheaded this surge, contributing $287,459, while beer and wine brought in $177,357 and $8,602, respectively. The steady number of establishments at 22 suggests the boost was driven by increased consumer spending rather than new market entries.

Fluctuating Trends Throughout the Year

Over the past year, Wharton's alcohol sales have seen notable ups and downs. August through October 2024 experienced a decline, with September standing out due to its high receipts of $417,682 despite a drop from August's $454,627. This period saw changes in establishment numbers, indicating market adjustments. Meanwhile, the holiday season in December didn't deliver the expected spike, as sales dipped by 5.28% from November.

Changing Preferences: Liquor Leads the Way

Liquor consistently dominated the sales mix, peaking at $287,459 in May 2025. Beer sales, while also significant, showed more volatility, with a notable drop in February 2025. Wine sales remained relatively stable but modest, indicating a smaller niche market. These trends suggest a strong consumer preference for liquor, possibly driven by shifting tastes or promotional efforts targeting this category.

Market Insights and Future Considerations

The data indicates a resilient market with potential for growth, especially in the liquor sector. The dramatic increase in May 2025 suggests effective marketing or events that drove consumer spending. Maintaining this momentum may require continued focus on consumer engagement and possibly expanding offerings in the liquor category. As the market stabilizes post-pandemic, understanding these shifts will be crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

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.