CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Running a barbecue restaurant has always required careful planning, but at Vision BBQ, that planning has become more complicated in recent years. Co-owner Michael Blevins says rising beef prices are creating challenges for the small Charlottesville eatery.
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering entering the barbecue business, Blevins responded with a single word: “Don’t.” The blunt answer reflects the difficulties many in the industry are currently facing.
Beef costs, particularly for brisket, have increased sharply. A few years ago, a pound of beef cost around $2.65. Today, that price has nearly doubled to over $5 per pound. “It’s basically a perfect storm of reasons to drive up the cost of beef, and everyone that is eating beef is feeling it right now,” Blevins said…