EAGLE PASS, TEXAS - JUNE 03: A customer orders at The Wheel Wagon on June 03, 2026 in Eagle Pass, Texas. The Wheel Wagon has expressed concern and added strife over rising beef prices that began nearly one year ago. The small business has reported a near $3 increase per pound on brisket, leading to a $200 increase per box from the year prior. "Being a small business in a small community, it's hard to raise our prices... This is not Central Texas and there are not many people in this community that want to pay the price of beef as its gone up. We've been stressed and have taken a big hit with cattle and meat," said owner Marco. A historic cattle shortage has driven wholesale beef prices to record highs, triggering a 17% surge in steak prices and a 19% increase in ground beef costs. Prolonged drought, labor shortages, and rising operating expenses have forced several renowned barbecue establishments throughout Texas to shut down, while others are considering significant service cutbacks. The Trump administration has initiated supply-side relief efforts, but progress stalled after the White House paused two executive orders in early May. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)