MISSION, Kan. (KCTV) – With beef prices remaining high, businesses and customers are being impacted alike.
Last month, Harp Barbecue in Overland Park announced on social media that it had stopped daily sales of brisket and beef burnt ends. KC Meats & Eats in Olathe spoke on the challenge of keeping enough beef because of production problems. RJ’s Bob-Be-Que Shack in Mission is feeling it too.
“I told my menu guy I can’t keep changing my menu every time the prices go up,” said owner Robert Palmgren. “What I try to do is get a good medium in there where I think that I can tolerate it. But it has gone up 16%.”
Palmgren praised his supplier from whom he buys wholesale, saying he can get his beef at around the same cost it is sold to grocery stores, but he has also begun recommending customers check out other meat options on the menu.
“Pork is about a third of the cost of beef,” said owner Robert Palmgren. “The pork burnt ends are really good and we basically prepare them the same way as you do beef burnt ends. I do a jalapeno sausage that I do that’s smoked in corn husk. I also have lamb ribs here, so instead of beef ribs you can do lamb ribs.”
It comes at the same time Palmgren has also noticed more customers watching their wallets.
“They’re trying to save money, which you can’t blame people for, and I want to get people in the restaurant,” said Palmgren. “So, what do you do? You run some specials.”
As customers are looking to watch their wallet, Palmgren says they run specials like a $20 slab of pork ribs.(Chandler Watkins, KCTV5)
This weekend RJ’s had signs up for a $20 slab special on pork ribs. Palmgren has noticed more people gravitating towards their specials, especially during the lunch rush.
“I ran a BLT special for lunch the other day and the first ten people that came through the door ordered the $10 sandwich and side,” said Palmgren. “The next day I did a turkey club and the next 10 people, one after another the special, special, special.”
As many are looking to save money by cooking at home, it makes Palmgren more appreciative of the returning customers who have become like family.
RJ’s Bob-Be-Que owner Robert Palmgren says repeat customers have become like family.(Chandler Watkins, KCTV5)
“We know everybody that comes in the door, just about, and if we don’t know you, we will get to know you,” said Palmgren.
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Dining and Cooking