Texas barbecue restaurants close as beef prices hit historic highs
Across Texas, several celebrated barbecue restaurants have closed in recent months as beef prices reach record levels. Kirby's BBQ, Brett's BBQ Shop, and Sabar BBQ are among the establishments that have shut down. Brisket, the signature meat of Texas barbecue, now costs up to thirty-eight dollars per pound wholesale, up nearly thirty percent over the past year. The crisis stems from multiple factors: the United States cattle herd is at its smallest size in seventy-five years due to drought and land development, while inflation, tariffs, and meatpacking companies' pricing decisions have all pushed costs higher. Restaurants face a squeeze between rising input costs and customer resistance to higher menu prices. Even award-winning pitmasters report being in survival mode. The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns prices could climb another ten to eighteen percent before year's end. Without relief in sight, owners predict closures will continue throughout the industry.
Key facts
- Kirby's BBQ, Brett's BBQ Shop, Sabar BBQ, and Wright on Taco & BBQ have all closed in recent months
- Brisket wholesale prices are up 28 percent over the past year, now costing $36 to $38 per pound
- The U.S. cattle herd is at its smallest size in 75 years due to drought, labor shortages, and land loss
- Customers are seeing menu prices for brisket climb to $35 to $40 per pound, double what they were just years ago
- The USDA warns beef prices could increase another 10 to 18 percent before the end of 2026
- Four companies control over 85 percent of U.S. beef processing capacity, drawing regulatory scrutiny
- Retail ground beef costs $6.70 per pound, up 15 percent from a year ago
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets focus on meatpacking industry consolidation and corporate control, highlighting that four companies control over eighty-five percent of beef processing and may be manipulating prices. They emphasize regulatory investigations and calls for accountability from government officials, while noting how working families are being priced out of traditional Texas food culture.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets like USSA News highlight the role of government policies, specifically Trump administration tariffs, alongside supply-side issues. They note the biological reality that rebuilding cattle herds takes years, and emphasize how small family ranchers lack scale to survive cost pressures compared to larger operations.
Limits of this briefing
Most sources examined focus on the supply-chain and pricing angle; fewer alternative perspectives exist explaining how free-market competition or deregulation might address the crisis. Regional variations in restaurant impact are not fully detailed across all reporting.
Sources
- The Washington Post: Some of Texas's oldest barbecue joints close as meat prices skyrocket Centre
- KBTX News: Beef prices at historic highs and Texas BBQ restaurants are feeling it most Centre
- Texas Monthly: Why So Many Texas BBQ Joints Are Closing Centre
- KVUE News: Pflugerville barbecue legacy struggles as beef prices hit record highs Centre
- USSA News: Texas barbecue joints close as meat prices skyrocket Right