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McAllen Today
By the People, for the People
Valley Businesses Grapple with Surging Beef Prices
Local restaurant and grocery owners try to limit the impact on families as beef costs soar
Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:23pm
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Soaring beef prices force Valley businesses to get creative in supporting their local community.McAllen TodayBeef prices in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas have risen sharply, up 14.4% in February compared to a year ago. Local business owners like Jerry Rodriguez of Black Diamond BBQ and Rafael Perez of Jessie's Meat Market are struggling to keep their own prices affordable for customers as the cost of brisket and other beef products has skyrocketed. Factors like drought, cattle herd reductions, and restrictions on Mexican cattle imports have all contributed to the supply crunch.
Why it matters
Rising beef prices put a strain on Valley families already facing high inflation, forcing them to cut back on meat purchases or switch to cheaper protein options. Local businesses are trying to absorb as much of the cost increase as possible to avoid passing it all on to consumers, but their profit margins are being squeezed.
The details
Black Diamond BBQ owner Jerry Rodriguez says the price of brisket has more than doubled, from $1.97 per pound when he started his business in 2018 to $4-$5 per pound today. At Jessie's Meat Market, manager Rafael Perez says customers are opting for cheaper beef cuts or turning to chicken and pork instead. The main driver of higher prices is a shrinking U.S. cattle herd, down to a 75-year low, due to drought and restrictions on Mexican cattle imports.
- Beef prices were 14.4% higher in February 2026 compared to a year earlier.
- Black Diamond BBQ started in 2018 when brisket was $1.97 per pound.
- The U.S. beef cattle herd reached a 75-year low at the beginning of 2026.
The players
Jerry Rodriguez
Owner of Black Diamond BBQ in McAllen, Texas.
Rafael Perez
Manager of Jessie's Meat Market in McAllen, Texas.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The federal agency that reported a 14.4% increase in beef prices in February 2026 compared to the prior year.
What they’re saying
“It affects us as the restaurant owners who are buying meat by the bulk, and it affects the consumer who is purchasing also because we're forced to raise our price because of that.”
— Jerry Rodriguez, Owner, Black Diamond BBQ
“Wages have not risen in the same way that meat prices have risen, and people are definitely complaining. We're struggling to do promotions because the prices have really gone up.”
— Rafael Perez, Manager, Jessie's Meat Market
What’s next
Local businesses hope to offer more sales and promotions on beef products soon to help offset the price increases for customers.
The takeaway
The surge in beef prices is putting a significant strain on Valley families and forcing local businesses to carefully balance keeping their own costs down while avoiding passing the full increase on to consumers. Addressing the underlying supply chain issues will be crucial to providing relief.
