Waco Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Waco's Alcohol Scene

Leading the pack in September 2025 is Backyard Bar Stage and Grill with impressive total receipts of $189,121. This hot spot dominates in liquor sales with $113,152, while beer sales are also strong at $74,841. Its focus on liquor seems to be the winning strategy here.

Coming in second, Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Waco racked up $159,801 in total receipts. This establishment also leans heavily on liquor sales, which contributed $95,498 to their total, closely followed by beer at $62,653. Their balanced approach between liquor and beer could be key to their success.

George's on Speight Ave isn't far behind, with $157,990 in total sales. Interestingly, beer sales slightly outpace liquor here, with $76,156 in beer compared to $79,552 in liquor. This indicates a strong customer preference for beer at this location.

Notable Trends and Insights

Baylor Stadium - OVG 03424 stands out for its significant wine sales, totaling $15,387, the highest among the top venues. With total receipts of $133,118, this venue capitalizes on diverse alcohol preferences, appealing to a broad audience during game days.

Scruffy Murphy's has an interesting strategy with zero wine sales, focusing solely on liquor and beer. With $129,923 in total receipts, this approach seems to resonate well with its clientele.

Blacks Beverage Co shows a unique profile with an impressive $31,889 in wine sales, making wine a major contributor to their $103,787 in total receipts. This focus on wine sets them apart in a predominantly beer-and-liquor market.

Emerging Opportunities

Further down the list, venues like Hotel Herringbone and La Fiesta Restaurant reveal opportunities for growth with strong liquor sales but lower beer figures. For new businesses or expansions, exploring these niches could offer untapped potential.

Meanwhile, Chuy's #6016 and Ninfa's Waco show robust liquor sales, suggesting a thriving market for cocktail-focused establishments. This trend might be worth exploring for new entrants aiming to capture a similar market segment.

Top Performing Zip Codes

In September 2025, Waco's zip codes 76706 and 76701 led the charge in alcohol sales, with each generating over $1.2 million. Both areas have a similar focus on liquor, making up 58% and 59% of their sales, respectively. With a high number of establishments—30 in 76706 and 41 in 76701—these areas are prime hubs for alcohol sales activity.

Alcohol Preferences Across Zip Codes

Liquor reigns supreme in most areas, particularly in zip code 76710, where it accounts for 62% of sales. However, zip code 76711 stands out for its emphasis on beer, which makes up nearly half of its sales at 48%. Meanwhile, wine holds a modest share across the board, peaking at 13% in both 76712 and 76704.

Opportunities for New Establishments

With 176 establishments spread across nine zip codes, there's an interesting density pattern. Zip codes like 76712 and 76711 have fewer establishments relative to their sales volume, potentially signaling room for new entrants. Meanwhile, the lower sales in 76707, despite its focus on beer, suggest a need for more innovative offerings or marketing strategies.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

Zip code 76707 is an outlier with a dominant 69% of sales coming from beer, contrasting sharply with others where liquor dominates. This might indicate a niche market or a unique consumer base that prefers beer over other types. Overall, liquor's strong presence in most zip codes suggests it remains a staple, but the varying preferences for beer and wine could offer targeted marketing opportunities for businesses looking to expand or diversify.

Overall Sales Trends

Over the past 12 months, Waco's alcohol sales have shown a rollercoaster pattern, with notable peaks and troughs. The most significant spike occurred in May 2025, when total receipts hit a high of $5.82 million. This was followed by a steep decline in June, with receipts dropping by over 22%. Such fluctuations suggest that local events or seasonal factors might play a crucial role in driving sales.

Establishment Dynamics

The number of establishments saw some interesting shifts, particularly with a jump in April 2025 when 13 new establishments entered the market. However, by June, the number had decreased slightly. This ebb and flow could indicate a competitive market where new entrants periodically test the waters before settling in or exiting.

Category Breakdown: Liquor vs. Beer vs. Wine

Liquor consistently dominated sales, contributing the largest share across all months. May 2025 was particularly strong for liquor, with receipts reaching $3.43 million. Beer sales peaked in May as well, hitting $1.62 million, while wine maintained a relatively steady but smaller contribution throughout the year. The preference for liquor suggests a robust market segment that businesses could further capitalize on, perhaps by expanding premium or craft selections.

Impact of Seasonal and Economic Factors

Seasonal trends are evident, with sales peaking in May, possibly due to events like graduation celebrations and the onset of summer activities. The subsequent drop in June and July might reflect the post-event cooling period or vacation-related spending shifts. Additionally, the slight increase in establishments during spring months suggests optimism about market growth, though the fluctuating sales figures might indicate economic caution among consumers.

Year-Over-Year Observations

While direct year-over-year data isn't specified, the general trend indicates that 2025 has experienced significant volatility compared to late 2024. The sharp increase in March and April 2025 sales, compared to earlier months, points toward a recovery or adjustment phase post-holiday season, with businesses potentially recalibrating their strategies in response to consumer spending patterns.