western
Fact Brief: Are barbecue joints losing money on brisket?
By McKinnon Rice at Fort Worth Report
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
Yes. Barbecue restaurant owners are reporting that high beef prices are making it difficult for them to turn a profit on the classic menu item. Some restaurants have closed altogether. Russell Roegels, who owns a barbecue joint in Houston, told The Washington Post that the cost of brisket for his re
Key takeaway Russell Roegels, who owns a barbecue joint in Houston, told The Washington Post that the cost of brisket for his restaurant has risen 28% in the last year.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The struggles of barbecue joints to turn a profit on brisket have significant implications for Fort Worth , a city that prides itself on its rich cowboy culture and barbecue heritage. With the Fort Worth Stockyards being a major tourist attraction, the city's barbecue scene is not only a source of local pride but also a key part of its economy. As beef prices continue to rise due to factors like drought and inflation, Fort Worth's barbecue restaurants may be forced to increase prices or close altogether, potentially hurting the local economy and disappointing visitors who come to experience the city's famous barbecue. The impact of high beef prices on local restaurants is a concern for the city's residents and visitors alike, and it will be important to watch how Fort Worth's barbecue joints adapt to these challenges and find ways to remain profitable while still serving up the city's signature slow-smoked brisket.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Fort Worth Report . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: western ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Yes. Barbecue restaurant owners are reporting that high beef prices are making it difficult for them to turn a profit on the classic menu item. Some restaurants have closed altogether. Russell Roegels, who owns a barbecue joint in Houston, told The Washington Post that the cost of brisket for his re
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by McKinnon Rice at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more western coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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