They work from approved liquor licenses. Distribution contracts are usually signed in the last 30 days before opening, but the relationship starts earlier, and approved licenses are the shortlist.
Distribution contracts get signed in the last 30 days before opening, but the relationship starts earlier. Approved licenses are the shortlist. On PourWire that stage is labeled approved.
Live counts from public filings, newest filing .
| Metro | Venues in the pre-opening window | At the approved stage | Newest filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 496 | 254 | Oct 23, 2026 |
| New York City, NY | 363 | not in NY records | Oct 23, 2026 |
| Austin, TX | 240 | not in TX records | Oct 23, 2026 |
| Waco–Temple, TX | 25 | not in TX records | Oct 21, 2026 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | 120 | not in TX records | Oct 23, 2026 |
| Houston, TX | 142 | not in TX records | Oct 23, 2026 |
| San Antonio, TX | 58 | not in TX records | Oct 22, 2026 |
Some state records don't report a separate approved step. In those metros the leads page puts the next stage first, so you still see who to call now.
The records are public, so you can check the state license portal and the city permit portal yourself every week. PourWire does that daily for every metro above, merges the license and permit records for the same venue, estimates the opening window, and emails you the new ones with owner names.