Iowa Restaurants Brace for Increased Costs from New US Tariffs

Restaurant owners across the U.S. are bracing for the impact of new tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, particularly on imported goods like Japanese beef, which could significantly raise menu prices. In Iowa, for instance, the Iowa Restaurant Association has warned that these tariffs could lead to increased costs for perishable items, causing uncertainty in the food service industry. Owners like Dominic Iannarelli from Prime and Providence expect a delay of eight to ten weeks before the tariffs affect their pricing, while Jessica Dunker emphasizes the challenging climate of decreased consumer confidence and foot traffic post-COVID. Similarly, restaurants in Boston are feeling the strain, with Casa Antigua's owner noting the precarious state of their business due to fluctuating tariffs and inflation. The National Restaurant Association has highlighted the difficulty of managing supply chain disruptions and rising food costs that could further burden restaurant operators. Economists predict that grocery prices will rise first, especially for perishable food items, putting additional pressure on already thin restaurant margins.