Challenges Face Texas Barbecue Restaurants Amid Rising Costs

Even Texas’s renowned restaurants face significant obstacles to staying open due to growing expenses. The state’s celebrated barbecue scene is particularly vulnerable.

On May 25, 2026, Isaias Raymundo prepared a catering order at Roegels Barbecue Co. in Houston, with the brisket pricing starkly capturing industry challenges. Barbecue, integral to Texan culinary culture, relies heavily on brisket, yet its cost is surging.

Russell Roegels, owner of Roegels Barbecue Co., meticulously tracks brisket prices. His spreadsheet, akin to an industry alarm bell, shows a concerning figure: $5.56 per pound. This troubling number reflects the rising expenses for an essential menu item in Texas.