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Chopped cheese prices may rise due to soaring beef costs

Record high beef prices could impact New York City’s beloved chopped cheese sandwiches.

July 27, 2025 at 11:31 AM

Soaring beef prices could mean costlier chopped cheeses in NYC

Rising beef prices may soon impact New York City's beloved chopped cheese sandwiches.

Record beef prices threaten iconic NYC chopped cheese

Beef prices in the U.S. have reached historic highs, now averaging $6.12 per pound for ground beef and $11.49 for steak, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In East Harlem, Blue Sky Deli, known for its chopped cheese sandwiches, faces the possibility of higher costs due to these increases. Frankie Frank Ramirez, who has worked at the deli for 28 years, estimates a daily use of 360 pounds of beef, projecting a daily cost of over $2,200 if prices remain high. Factors such as a declining cattle inventory and bans on cattle imports from Mexico are driving prices up further. Despite some economists hinting at future herd recovery, immediate relief seems distant, leaving the fate of affordable chopped cheese sandwiches uncertain.

Key Takeaways

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Beef prices hit record levels across the U.S.

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Ground beef now averages $6.12 per pound and steak $11.49.

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Blue Sky Deli relies on about 360 pounds of beef daily for sandwiches.

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Possible increase in the price of chopped cheese sandwiches in NYC.

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Cattle inventory is at its lowest since 1951, raising supply concerns.

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Economic pressures reveal the vulnerability of local food prices.

"When we hit the bottom of the cattle cycle, that also means the highest prices."

David Sumner explains how the cattle cycle influences beef prices.

"A year ago, I talked to people who said, ‘They certainly can't go any higher.’ Well, they were wrong."

Sumner comments on the unexpected rise in beef prices over the past year.

"That means four or five years from now, prices will be well down. But what does it mean for the next few months? Nothing really."

Sumner hints that immediate relief from high prices is unlikely despite future hope.

The surge in beef prices reflects a larger trend in the food industry that affects not just restaurants but consumers as well. With more people relying on affordable food options like chopped cheese, the potential for price hikes may widen the gap between economic stability and hardship. As local businesses navigate these challenges, the community will inevitably feel the impact. The dynamics between supply chain disruptions and local demand underscore the fragility of food pricing systems. Import bans and fluctuating cattle inventories highlight the interconnectedness of U.S. agriculture and international trade, showing how local favorites can be twisted by far-reaching policies.