Rising Produce Prices Squeeze Local Restaurants in the Coachella Valley

If it feels like you’re paying more for fruits and vegetables lately, you’re not alone.

Agriculture experts say produce prices are up more than 11% compared to a year ago, and that increase is putting added pressure on local restaurants already dealing with rising costs.

At Sherman's Deli & Bakery, a longtime Coachella Valley staple serving hundreds of meals each day, rising produce costs are becoming harder to ignore.

“Two dollars for an avocado,” said Damien, describing just how much prices have jumped.

He says staples like tomatoes have also seen major increases.

“To give you an idea of how much we’re working with, our tomatoes had shot up. At one point they were close to 60 to 70% higher,” he said.

Experts say what’s happening locally mirrors a national trend.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the spike in produce prices is being fueled by a combination of higher fuel costs, supply chain disruptions and severe weather affecting crops.

At Sherman's, managers say they’re absorbing those higher costs for now to avoid passing them on to customers.

“We do get a little shell-shocked,” Damien said. “But we do our best. Being one of those companies that provides a free meal for our employees, sometimes we have to make adjustments, but we try our best to accommodate everyone.”

For now, restaurants like Sherman's are balancing rising costs while trying to keep prices stable for the community they serve.