Texas restaurant, meat market closing amid rising costs

As the cost of beef continues to rise across the country, barbecue joints are not the only businesses feeling the strain in Texas. Now, a pair of local businesses in a South Texas city will be closing their doors for good at the end of the month.

The Chopping Block, a family-owned business “bringing back traditions of butchery and sausage making,” announced that its meat market, known for its quality meats and “superior customer service,” is closing for good in Victoria on Saturday, June 27. The company shared in the announcement that its Webster location near Houston will remain open, but the meat market two hours southeast of San Antonio will soon say farewell.

“To our customers, friends, employees, and everyone who has supported us over the years- thank you. We’ve celebrated milestones with you, shared countless meals, and built friendships that we’ll always cherish,” The Chopping Block shared via Facebook on Sunday, June 21. “While this chapter in Victoria is coming to an end, we are incredibly grateful for the memories, support, and relationships we’ve gained along the way.”

The post was seen over 1,000 times as hundreds of residents shared their condolences. In the days since, The Chopping Block has been flooded with business as locals have packed the parking lots and helped the meat market do “two days’ worth of business in just one hour.” Shoppers are still encouraged to come by through closing day and swing by The Chopping Block food truck.

Find it: 7010 N. Navarro St., Victoria, TX 77904

On Tuesday, June 23, Paint’s Underground Pizza announced it will close for good on July 5 after six years in Victoria.

“Over the last few years, we’ve watched too many locally owned businesses close their doors here in Victoria. Every time it happened, I felt for those owners because I knew how much of themselves they had poured into their business,” co-owners Michael and Lily Painter wrote on Facebook. “Unfortunately, today it’s our turn to share that news.”

They added, “Six years ago, we opened our doors with a dream of bringing something different to Victoria. What followed was an incredible journey filled with great customers, amazing employees, lasting friendships, and memories that I’ll carry with me forever.”

Carrying the tagline, “Victoria, you deserve a better pizza,” Paint’s offers customers a variety of pies, ranging from your classic cheese pizza to the 16-inch Big Wulf, as well as calzones, pasta bakes and salads.

Find it: 5001B John Stockbauer Drive, Victoria, TX 77904

Michael Painter and John Tyrna, the owner of The Chopping Block, spoke with Crossroads Today about why their businesses are closing, and both cited the financial strain of rising costs and the struggle to compete with large chains.

“We try and use all fresh and natural products that we can, but with the rising costs of all that stuff, a lot of people and places are going to a cheaper and alternative route,” Tyrna said to Crossroads Today.

Blume & Flour, a local cafe in Victoria, put out their own post in response to the upcoming closures. The coffee shop urged locals to support small businesses so that owners can keep their dreams alive.

“These businesses will be deeply missed,” Blume & Flour wrote on Facebook. “They were part of what makes Victoria and our small business community so special. Their impact goes far beyond what they sold or served; they helped shape the character, connection, and heart of our town.”

MySA has reached out to The Chopping Block and Paint’s Underground Pizza for comment.