Beeflation: Bronx shoppers say rising barbecue costs are putting pressure on Memorial Day cookouts
News 12 visited grocery stores in Soundview, where shoppers pointed to higher prices on barbecue staples, such as burgers and hot dog buns. Some even referred to the rising costs as “beeflation.”
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, some shoppers in the Bronx say rising grocery prices are forcing them to rethink their holiday cookouts.
News 12 visited grocery stores in Soundview, where shoppers pointed to higher prices on barbecue staples, such as burgers and hot dog buns. Some even referred to the rising costs as “beeflation.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average price for a pound of ground beef stands at $6.90, a record high. Since January 2025, ground beef prices have climbed by more than 20%.
Some shoppers said the higher prices are changing how they shop ahead of the holiday weekend.
“When you go in you really do have to think about what you’re gonna buy,” said shopper Veronica Jackson.
“I came out of there not buying exactly what I wanted to buy," said Sharon Dacosta, another shopper.
Others said they are cutting certain foods from their shopping lists altogether.
“I’m not buying the burgers, I’m not buying the hotdogs,” said Dennis Olivero.
While shopping in Soundview, Bronx resident Tyrone Heneley told News 12 he still planned to buy food for the holiday weekend, despite the higher costs.
“We gonna get some burgers, we gonna get some franks,” Heneley said.
Still, he said rising grocery prices are making it harder to provide for his family.
“It’s too much... that’s too much man, shouldn’t be like that man, how you supposed to budget your family, like myself I got kids,” Heneley said.
Another Bronx resident, Latisha Cooke, said the rising prices are impacting more than just shopping habits.
“You don’t see as many cookouts and memorial gatherings as we used to,” Cooke said.
“Of course, everybody is sad. The world is in a state of depression. Here in New York, it’s hard, it’s hard for a lot of people,” she added.
Employees at local grocery stores told News 12 that higher costs linked to inflation and tariffs have forced stores to raise prices.
