(WXYZ) — The impact of a nationwide beef shortage due to processing plants closing is being felt right here in metro Detroit, with rising prices and fewer options.
While some Kroger stores ration how much meat customers can buy, a local fast food drive-thru also stopped selling some of its most popular menu items.
The sign greeting customers at a Wendy's drive-thru in Warren reads, "due to the beef shortage we are not selling any beef today, only chicken."
WARREN DRIVE THRU: “I went there for lunch to grab the kids some frosties & everything. They were just like we don’t have any beef today.” @Wendys customer responds to #beef shortage at fast food location at 10 mile & Ryan. @wxyzdetroit #coronavirus #10PM #11PM pic.twitter.com/DCABuSGD8j
— Simon Shaykhet WXYZ (@simonshaykhet) May 5, 2020
"I went there for lunch to grab the kids and stuff some frosties and everything. They were just like, we don’t have any beef today," said customer Billy Crumback.
Crumback shared his reaction to the situation and concern for businesses like Wendy's.
“I mean if they’re not selling their products, what else can they do,” Crumback said.
Part of a statement from a Wendy's spokesperson says, "As you’ve likely heard, beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges. Because of this, some of our menu items may be in short supply from time to time.”
Also, some Kroger locations are limiting the amount of meat you can buy during a shopping trip to two items per customer. That includes chicken and applies at some locations in southeast Michigan. Smaller stores like Johnny Pomodoro's in Farmington Hills now must pay 10 percent more for meat but haven't yet raised prices, nor started rationing.
Costco is also among the stores placing limitations on meat purchases. The timeline for how long this last, still remains to be seen.
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