Houston-area restaurant forced to add fees as inflation strains business, owner says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The rising cost of goods and services is not only impacting households but businesses as well.

Lankford's has been a staple restaurant in the Houston area for decades. The establishment, which started as one location, has expanded to three.

That expansion has come at a time when businesses are finding ways to make ends meet.

"That's been the biggest change for us trying to manage the rising cost of hamburger meat for us, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, everything that goes within a restaurant has continually grown 20 or 30%," Lankford's owner, Paul Prior said.

On Friday, we learned that the overall price of goods and services has risen 3.4% in August from this time last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PREVIOUS INFLATION REPORT FROM ABC13: Inflation remains elevated in August, US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports

The challenge for many business owners is to not burden customers with higher prices.

"Our mindset is that we are never going to impact the customers, so we have not changed our menu prices. They have been the same since we opened this location here three years ago," Prior said.

Prior said he has implemented a 3.5% surcharge on credit card purchases, much like other businesses have rolled out.

"It has helped greatly because that has allowed us to continue... you know, it has really allowed us to double down on, you know, we are farm-to-table meat," Prior said.

Prior said he has also brought in fewer employees for some shifts and trimmed waste at his locations.

While he is navigating the current economic climate, he remains positive about what lies ahead.

"I believe God is good, so I believe things are going to work out for us," Prior said.