Some barbecue restaurant owners say soaring beef prices are wiping out their profits, especially on brisket - the signature item of many Texas smokehouses.

One pitmaster says he now pays more than $6. 50 per pound, up from $3. 60 in 2020, leaving him losing money even at $35 per pound retail.

Owners say they can't simply raise prices further because customers can't absorb the increase, leading some to steer diners toward cheaper menu items instead.