“This business is a tough business,” Restaurant owners share outlook for new year

“This business is a tough business,” Restaurant owners share outlook for new year

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – If you cook at home or go grocery shopping, you’ve likely seen the cost of food increase throughout 2024. Studies show restaurants felt the pinch even more.

There were a number of major bankruptcies in the food industry over the past year, and it looks like 2025 may bring continued challenges, including the cost of goods like food and utensil items.

Restaurants in the Brazos Valley told KBTX their competition continues to grow, creating a higher supply of choices for consumers as restaurants deal with inflation.

It looks like 2025 may bring continued challenges, such as the cost of goods like food and...
It looks like 2025 may bring continued challenges, such as the cost of goods like food and utensil items.(kbtx)

Korey Thomas, the owner of The Remnant of Nawlins in Bryan, opened his restaurant in 2014 while he attended Blinn College, and he says competition is something he thinks about every day.

“We have at least 300 restaurants in this city. So whenever someone comes to eat at The Remnant, they passed up 299 other places. So my mindset is, how can I give that person the best experience,” Thomas said.

Johnny Poché is another local restaurant owner. He owns Poché’s Seafood Shoppe and Restaurant and 1860 Italia, both located in College Station. Poché has dealt with inflation and increased competition for quite some time, but says he’s been rolling with the punches.

“This business is a tough business,” Poché says. “I have these brown, nice paper bags for to-go stuff. That bag at one time cost 20 cents. It’s now almost a dollar.”

Poché’s Seafood Shoppe and Restaurant off of Holleman Dr South.
Poché’s Seafood Shoppe and Restaurant off of Holleman Dr South.(kbtx)

Poché says even though he hasn’t seen a profit in his newest restaurant, Poché’s Seafood Shoppe and Restaurant, he’s determined to try new things to bring customers in.

“Live music, bingo night, some karaoke, who knows,” Poché suggested.

Thomas has noticed an increase in the cost of goods, too, and has been experiencing the exact same thing.

“Products like paper products, or utensils, or plates and stuff like that. Those prices have gone up tremendously,” Thomas explained.

Both owners say they expect to see restaurants shut down, but they also expect to see new ones open.

The Remnant of Nawlins located off Groesbeck Street.
The Remnant of Nawlins located off Groesbeck Street.(kbtx)

“While we have a lot of restaurants open, most of them are chain restaurants, so the mom-and-pop spots are really suffering,” Thomas said.

Even though it was a rough year for the restaurant industry, Poché says he tries to look at the bright side.

“As much as I hate to see restaurants close or any business close, it does create opportunity,” Poché says.

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