Rising Beef Prices

Texas Barbecue Restaurant Removes Brisket From Menu As Beef Prices Soar

A Texas barbecue restaurant, Butter's BBQ, has removed its brisket menu from its standard menu due to high beef prices. The decision was made by Andrew Soto, the owner and operator of the restaurant, who noted that the price of beef and brisket had increased by almost $1 per pound over the past five years. Despite adjusting prices and cooking less brisket, the restaurant saw a decrease in foot traffic and sales. The USDA's Economic Research Service estimates beef and veal prices will be 5.9% higher in August 2026 than August 2025, and prices are expected to increase 9.4% in 2026, with a forecast interval of 7.4%. The restaurant is currently experimenting with alternatives like beef cheek as a brisket alternative.

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