NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — PoliticsOctober 29, 2026Hillsborough County
Beef price increases squeeze Texas barbecue restaurant Teddy's BBQ and influence voter sentiment in the Rio Grande Valley
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — Politics
Rising beef prices, which are up 3.5% from last year according to the USDA, are forcing Texas barbecue restaurant Teddy's BBQ to raise menu prices and reduce operating days. Co-owner Joel Garcia and customers note that overall dining costs have nearly doubled, which may factor into voter decisions in the upcoming midterms.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — PoliticsWhy It Matters
Higher operational costs for restaurants and meat producers are increasing consumer dining expenses, with individual meal costs rising from around $30 to between $50 and $60.
Key Facts
- Beef prices were 3.5% higher in September 2026 compared to the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- The USDA expects overall beef prices to increase by almost 9% in 2026.
- Teddy's BBQ co-owner Joel Garcia reports that the cost of meat has almost tripled, forcing him to raise prices and close on days he would like to be open.
- Menu prices generally are up 3.5% from last year, according to the National Restaurant Association.
- Customers report that dining out costs have risen from about $30 a few years ago to between $50 and $60.
- Ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley state that high fuel, labor, and land costs are impacting their ability to grow their herds.
- The American cattle herd is currently at historic lows.
Who's Mentioned
locationTexas“State where the restaurant and ranchers are located”PersonJoel Garcia“Co-owner of Teddy's BBQ”locationSouth Texas“Region where local pastures and ranchers are located”OrganizationNational Restaurant Association“Reported that menu prices are up 3.5% from last year”locationRio Grande Valley“Region in Texas where Teddy's BBQ is located and where local ranchers operate”PersonAdolfo Grimaldo“Customer at Teddy's BBQ discussing dining costs and ticket splitting”OrganizationScripps News“News organization that interviewed customers and ranchers”OrganizationTeddy’s BBQ“Barbecue joint in the Rio Grande Valley facing higher meat and operating costs”OrganizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Provided data showing beef prices were 3.5% higher in September 2026 than a year”