Texas BBQ joints cut brisket and ribs as beef costs surge 40%
Rising beef costs are forcing Texas barbecue restaurants to remove staple items like brisket and ribs from their menus. Owners report a 40% price increase over two years, citing prohibitive costs and high diesel prices. Some businesses prefer removing items over raising prices, while customers urge support for local establishments.
Key points
- Beef prices have increased by approximately 40% over the past two years, according to David Page, owner of Hoegemeyer’s Barbeque Barn.
- Butter’s Barbeque in Sinton, Texas, announced via Facebook that it will no longer serve brisket, a staple dish, due to cost-prohibitive prices.
- William Paul Sissamis, owner of Silverado Smokehouse, stated he would rather temporarily remove beef ribs from the menu than raise prices for customers.
- Restaurant owners also cited high diesel prices as a factor driving up overall food costs.
- Customer Eric Escamillo emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses during this period of price increases.
Background
This development follows earlier reports in August 2026 regarding a White House plan to import 300,000 metric tons of lean beef to ease prices, which faced pushback from domestic producers. Additionally, Labor Day 2026 saw elevated beef prices, with ground beef averaging $6.89 per pound in July, contributing to broader consumer cost concerns.
Why it matters
The removal of core menu items signals a significant shift in the restaurant industry's response to sustained supply chain pressures and inflation, potentially affecting consumer habits and local business viability.
What to watch
Restaurants may continue to adjust menus or prices as beef costs remain elevated, while the impact of federal import policies on domestic supply and pricing remains to be seen.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on KCRG