The latest round of U.S. tariffs is putting enormous pressure on independent restaurants, bars, farmers, and consumers alike. And unless something changes, the entire food supply chain—from field to kitchen to table—is at risk.
Independent restaurants and bars need trade policies that work for them—not harmful tariffs. Join the Independent Restaurant Coalition in speaking up.
Contact Your Members of Congress
“At the end of the day, everything will be more expensive.”
Cheetie Kumar, vice president of the Independent Restaurant Coalition Board of Directors and chef/owner of Ajja in Raleigh, NC, spoke to Restaurant Dive recently, joining other small business owners across the country to speak out about how dangerous the tariffs will be.
Tariffs don’t just raise food prices—they drive up the cost of every tool restaurants rely on. Ovens, walk-ins, dishwashers, cookware, glassware, furniture—even the packaging used for takeout—are often imported and with tariffs, now cost significantly more. These rising costs make it harder for new restaurants to open and for existing ones to make basic upgrades or even repair broken equipment. When trade policy drives up operating expenses, fewer independent restaurants survive.
Farmers are seeing reduced market access and retaliatory trade measures that cut into their bottom lines. That disruption trickles down to restaurants, especially those that pride themselves on sourcing local and seasonal ingredients.
Cost of Living for the Average Household Increasing by $5,000
This isn’t just an issue for restaurant owners. It affects anyone who shops for groceries, orders takeout or delivery, or enjoys a night out.
Tariffs have been linked to a projected $5,000 annual increase in the average American household’s cost of living. When people spend more on everyday essentials, they spend less on dining out—and that hurts local businesses and the people they employ.
From rising prices to reduced tips for staff, the ripple effect is real.
The IRC is Working With Congressional Leadership To Take Action
We’re grateful that leaders in Washington are paying attention.
This afternoon, during National Small Business Week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats will stand alongside small business owners from across the country—including independent restaurant and bar owners—to spotlight the devastating impact of Trump’s Tariff Tax and other economic missteps. Just last week in New York, Senator Schumer met with restaurant owners and small business leaders to highlight how tariffs are driving up costs, and the urgent need to end the current round of tariffs restore much-needed certainty to small businesses.
“Restaurants are still recovering from the pandemic,” said Schumer. “They can’t afford to absorb price increases—and neither can their customers.”
The Independent Restaurant Coalition is sounding the alarm—ensuring lawmakers hear directly from the independent restaurants and bars bearing the brunt of these tariffs. During our recent week in Washington, D.C., we met with policymakers from both sides of the aisle to share the reality from the ground: rising costs, shrinking margins, and small businesses on the brink. Senator Schumer’s leadership reflects growing awareness of this crisis, and we urge more elected officials to stand with small businesses before more restaurants are forced to shut their doors.
Let’s Keep the Pressure On—Together
If we want to preserve independent restaurants, strengthen local food systems, and keep dining accessible to all, we need trade policies that reflect those values.
That’s why the Independent Restaurant Coalition is speaking up—and why we need you with us.
Contact Your Members of Congress Today!
Let your lawmakers know: Independent restaurants are essential. Tariffs are not the way forward.
