Memphis Restaurants Hit Hard by Rising Food Costs

In Memphis, as diners enjoy their favorite meals, they might not realize the storm brewing behind the scenes of their local eateries. The past few years have thrown challenges at restaurateurs that feel more like a roller coaster ride than a stable business environment. The price of ingredients has been bouncing up and down so much that many restaurant owners now say they’ve gotten used to a new normal — one that’s anything but predictable.

Take Ben Smith, the owner of Tsunami in Cooper-Young. He’s been in the restaurant game for more than 25 years, and he says he’s never seen anything like it. “**Restaurant operators have been through it the past four years** – COVID, shutdowns, supply chain issues, labor issues,” he explained. For him and many others, *things have not returned back to normal*, despite the buzzing atmosphere and bustling dining rooms.

One major concern for restaurateurs today is the **constant inflation** and the **wild fluctuations in ingredient costs**. Smith emphasized that he never has any predictability when it comes to prices. “One month a product can cost X, and the next month it could be Y, with no rhyme or reason,” he said. This unpredictability makes it extremely challenging for restaurants to set their prices without alienating customers or hurting their bottom line.

As **food costs soar**, everything from kitchen staples to gourmet delights is feeling the heat. **Meat and produce** have been among the most volatile, which is particularly troublesome for places that rely on fresh ingredients. Management has narrowed comes down to make tough choices. Restaurants may have to switch up menus or rely on less popular alternatives when prices skyrocket.

The impact of these rising costs isn’t just felt in the kitchen. It’s trickling down to the consumer as well. Smith highlights how diners often assume that if a place is busy, everything’s just fine behind the scenes. But in reality, getting people to fill seats is an uphill battle for many. Just because a restaurant looks packed doesn’t mean they’re making steady profits. Inflation often leads to higher menu prices, which can deter customers, especially in a city like Memphis where price sensitivity is commonplace.

And it’s not just Tsunami. Across the city, *independent restaurants* are grappling with similar issues. Eric Vernon of The Bar-B-Q Shop shares a similar sentiment. He said, “Each week brings new surprises on the price tags of our usual orders. It keeps you on your toes.” For barbecue aficionados in Memphis, rising prices for meat can mean that their beloved ribs might just cost a bit more next week than they did this week.

While **inflation** might be out of their hands, many restaurateurs are staying creative. James Taras from Jim’s Place Grille sees this as an opportunity to adapt and innovate. “We’ve been experimenting with specials that use ingredients that are currently more affordable,” he says. “It also creates a fun experience for guests when they see something new on the menu every week.” Having a flexible menu allows restaurants to respond quickly to market changes and keep their offerings exciting.

Behind the scenes, sourcing is crucial, and many restaurant owners have formed partnerships with local farms and suppliers to help combat some of the unpredictability. Smith mentioned that while sourcing locally can sometimes come with a price, the investments in local ingredients can create better quality dishes that diners appreciate — plus, it also enhances the sense of community.

Despite the challenges, it’s not all doom and gloom in Memphis dining. Some restaurants have found a path to success by adopting different business practices. For example, offering **specials** or **unique dining experiences** that are priced based on ingredient availability has become a trend. This keeps locals intrigued and coming back to see what’s new, which in turn can help offset some of the costs.

As inflation shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, it’s essential for diners to understand that restaurant pricing can be a balancing act. The next time you’re enjoying a meal at a local joint, consider the effort and thought that went into pricing that burger or bowl of pasta.

So, the next time you’re out in Memphis delighting in your favorite dish—or trying that local barbecue for the first time—remember the expertise and the roller coaster those in the industry are riding to serve you. Cheers to the resilience of local restaurateurs, who continue to adapt and keep our food scene vibrant, even in challenging times!