Some of Texas' most famous BBQ joints forced to close due to sky-high beef prices
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- Texas barbecue restaurants are closing across the state as soaring beef prices make brisket—a traditional staple—too expensive for many customers, turning it into a luxury item.
- The domestic cattle herd has shrunk to its lowest level in 75 years due to drought, high feed costs, and operational expenses, driving wholesale brisket prices to $5-$6 per pound and retail prices up to $35-$40 per pound.
- Small barbecue joints face unsustainable margins because brisket loses about half its weight during cooking, and additional costs like labor, utilities, and packaging have also risen sharply.
- Independent barbecue restaurants are particularly vulnerable since brisket is their signature offering, leaving little room to pivot as prices continue to climb, leading to closures of notable establishments statewide.
- Industry insiders also cite meatpacking industry consolidation as a factor exacerbating beef price increases, while top-tier barbecue spots are forced to raise prices or limit brisket availability to survive.