Dellanera RV Park in Texas will soon begin selling packaged beer, wine, and malt beverages at its on-site gift shop, following approval from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The park, which already sells beach supplies and refreshments, is introducing alcohol sales as an added convenience for guests.
Vince Lorefice, executive director of coastal operations for the Park Board of Trustees, said the permit approval allows the board to move forward with necessary insurance and city approvals before officially launching sales.
While the timeline is still uncertain, the move aligns with a September 2023 city ordinance permitting alcohol sales at the park, according to a report by the Galveston County Daily News.
Initially, the park board proposed opening a bar at Dellanera, but that idea faced resistance from some community members who saw it as direct competition with private businesses.
Instead, the decision to sell prepackaged alcohol ensures that the gift shop remains a retail outlet rather than a hospitality establishment requiring bartenders or waitstaff.
“This is simply an extension of our gift shop offerings,” said Chris Stanley, the park board’s director of communications.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, Dellanera’s approach highlights a potential revenue stream that aligns with guest expectations while maintaining operational simplicity.
By limiting sales to prepackaged products, the park avoids the complexities of running a bar while still meeting demand.
The move reflects a growing trend in the industry where campgrounds and RV parks explore additional amenities to enhance guest experience and improve profitability.
While the financial impact remains uncertain, the board sees the initiative as a trial run.
“It’s kind of a proof of concept,” Lorefice said, indicating that its success could inform future decisions.
This development underscores how outdoor hospitality businesses can balance guest services with local regulations and community concerns, potentially serving as a model for other parks considering similar offerings.
