A Palm Springs pitmaster eats the cost as beef hits a record $9.64 a pound

NBC Palm Springs: Big Earl's BBQ, the kitchen tucked behind the bar at Palm Springs' Fireside Lounge, is watching beef costs climb week after week. The USDA pegged average retail beef at a record $9.64 per pound in April, roughly 13% above a year ago, with inflation and a historic cattle shortage driving the run and little relief in sight.

For now the owner is eating the difference — cutting costs where customers won't notice rather than raising menu prices. Some diners say they're already thinking twice before ordering. He's holding the line, but concedes that if beef keeps climbing he may have no choice but to pass it through.