Beef price surge pushes Texas BBQ legends toward closure
Beef prices in the U.S. have surged to record highs, with April retail beef at about $9.64 per pound (up roughly 13% YoY), squeezing profit margins for Texas BBQ joints that rely on brisket; several famed eateries have closed or warned they’re at risk as costs mount, including higher brisket prices and broader inflation, tariffs, and meatpackers’ pricing. Regulators are probing major meatpackers, while the White House weighs tariff adjustments that could affect beef costs for diners and restaurants.
