According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau's "Annual Retail Trade Survey," beer, wine and liquor stores accounted for $40.8 billion in sales in 2009, a significant increase from the $26.6 billion registered in 1999. Drinking establishments, which admittedly could include coffeehouses and other non-alcoholic options, saw $20 billion in 2009 sales, also a sizable increase from 1999, which recorded $14.6 billion. Speaking of coffeehouses, one of the nation’s largest coffee chains has announced plans to bring more-adult beverages to its customers.
For almost two years, Starbucks has been testing the alcohol concept in stores in Seattle and Portland, where, after 4:00 p.m., the menu expands to include the beverages. Those six test stores have seen double-digit sales jumps, and the company has announced plans to add beer and wine to its menus in the Chicago area by the end of 2012, where the stores will also offer food options, such as cured meats and other small plates, to accompany the alcoholic beverages. The coffee chain is far from alone, however, in plans to expand into alcoholic beverages; both Burger King and White Castle are experimenting with the notion, the former offering beer at select Whopper Bar locations, while the latter is offering beer and wine at its Blaze Modern BBQ concepts.