MOLINE, Illinois — Local restaurants are removing items on their menus because of food supply shortages.
The Quad Cities Chamber reported in its Quarterly Market Report that "supply chain shortages and delays leave businesses resigned to accept what is available to them, rescheduling or delaying production and delivery as well as sometimes necessitating raising prices on goods or services."
Chimes Taco Bar owner Adrian Sanchez said suppliers are experiencing shortages of beer and alcohol brands.
“Some customers have gone in asking for a certain type of beer," said Sanchez, "and … we don't have them, so they ended up going across the river."
Lemongrass Café employee Khao Phasuk said the price of beef has risen so high the café has been forced to take it off its menu.
"We don't sell the beef at all. We try to sell only chicken, tofu and shrimp because the beef is so expensive," said Phasuk.
Because of staff shortages, the restaurant has had to remove any dishes that take a long time to make.
Both restaurants on 5th Street in Moline said they have been making sacrifices to stay open and hope the community continues to support local businesses like theirs in the Quad Cities.
“Hopefully, you know, people will understand and keep supporting local businesses, and hopefully they'll understand our struggles," said Sanchez.
The price of beef has increased 14% since December 2020, according to a White House briefing report. The report also states the reason for increasing meat prices, other than an increase in demand, was the small number of meat packing companies available. Those companies have increased prices to generate a record profit during the pandemic.