Rising beef prices have led to the closure of several famed Texas BBQ restaurants, with owners warning that the industry is in 'survival mode'. The average retail price for beef reached a record $9.64 per pound in April, up 13% from the previous year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Russell Roegels, owner of two BBQ restaurants in Houston, told The Washington Post: 'This is as bad as it gets. Everybody’s at risk these days: You’re one bad week from closing.' Factors include inflation, President Trump's tariffs, meatpacker pricing, the smallest US cattle herd in 75 years due to drought, and increased operating costs since the pandemic.
Shawn Jones of Kirby’s BBQ announced he would close his restaurant in New Carney at the end of 2025 partly due to 'absolutely insane' beef prices. He noted that brisket now costs $36 per pound for consumers, making a full meal $70 to $100, which is unsustainable for most families. Other closures include Brett’s BBQ Shop, Sabar BBQ, and Wright on Taco & BBQ.
Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co., voted Texas Monthly’s No. 1 barbecue joint, said relief from price hikes is not in sight. He has raised brisket prices to $38 per pound and is considering limiting it to one day a week. Servantes and others blame meatpackers for manipulating prices, with four companies controlling over 85% of the beef processing market.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into major meatpacking firms on May 15, stating: 'If major meatpackers manipulated the market to underpay ranchers while forcing families to pay higher prices at the grocery store, we will hold them accountable.' Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly divided on how to address rising beef prices.
