TYLER, Texas — Manny’s Tex-Mex Cafe manager, Manuel Vela, is at his wits end with inflation.
“Everything's going up. Across the board, everything, especially meats and cheeses," Vela said.
The manager is spending an extra $5,000- $7,000 more per week now than he was a year ago for the same amount of food.
Many restaurants needed to increase their prices to make up the difference.
“We've tried to hold back as much as we can," Vela said. "But eventually, we're gonna have to do the same thing.”
Government data show wholesale food prices jumped higher in May than they have in nearly 50 years. Egg prices hiked 220% and butter was up 51% while fats, oils and flour were up at least 40%.
“It all trickles down," Vela said. "You're not talking about just restaurants, you're talking about grocery stores, you're talking about all the other retailers that also don't have the product.”
Vela used to only need one food service provider. Now he needs four and said his peers in the industry have had to cut their hours.
When asked if he worries inflation will close the restaurant, Vela said "no."
"Not yet. We're here by the grace of God. And by His grace, we shall continue to be here," Vela added.