Texas Beef Prices Reach Record High, Prompting Some BBQ Restaurant Closures

The average retail price for beef reached a record $9.64 per pound in April, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to Department of Agriculture figures. Brisket is a staple menu item at many Texas barbecue restaurants, and owners said the sustained price increase has reduced profit margins.

Owners described operating in "survival mode" for the past year. He noted that brisket costs have pushed total customer bills to $70–$100, limiting repeat visits. Other recent closures include Brett's BBQ Shop, Sabar BBQ, and Wright on Taco & BBQ. , raised brisket prices by $1 to $38 per pound and said he is considering limiting brisket service to one day per week.

Industry participants cited the smallest U.S. cattle herd in 75 years, drought conditions, and higher operating costs since the pandemic as supply constraints. Four companies control more than 85 percent of U.S. beef processing, and some owners attributed price increases to meatpacker practices.

State and federal regulators have opened an investigation into the largest meatpacking firms. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated in a May 15 news release that accountability measures would follow if manipulation is confirmed. The Trump administration delayed plans to announce a temporary reduction in import tariffs on beef while internal discussions continue, according to Politico reporting last week.