Restaurants dealing with the rising cost of beef

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WBAY) - Getting a burger or steak has gotten more expensive with the price of beef skyrocketing in recent years.

Places like meat markets and restaurants are seeing the brunt of these increases, making it a battle to provide the same quality of meat at a reasonable price.

Nearly half a decade ago, you could get a prime rib plate with sides for just over $15. Now, the cheapest steak is $28.

It’s a big jump leaving businesses and restaurants no choice but to pass the rising costs onto consumers.

On the meat market side of things, places like Niemuth’s Southside Market in Appleton said this could be because of a supply and demand issue.

“Part of it is demand for grilling season in the summertime, and part of it is there’s just no cattle out there to butcher. There are less cattle on the market than there has been in years,” Richard Niemuth, owner of Niemuth’s Southside Market said.

That’s because it takes roughly five years to get a cow ready to hit the grill.

Niemuth said since they aren’t really breeding, that’s effecting business.

“Over the last 4 years, the price of beef has risen nearly 70%, and businesses says, they’re doing everything they can to give customers the same quality of meat at a decent price,” Niemuth said.

“I think people in general, they’re still going out to eat. Although it’s not common place, it’s more of a treat. And if you’re going to treat yourself, you should be going for quality. Not necessarily price,” Kendal Koch, owner of Mad Apple Burger & Billard Co. said.

But that doesn’t mean they haven’t had to eat the cost at times so customers can keep coming back.

If you’re looking to save money at the market, Neimuth said to look for ‘no roll’ options.

These meats aren’t USDA approved but that doesn’t mean they lack in quality.