Rising gas prices means higher costs, uncertainty for North Texas restaurants

High gas prices hit North Texas restaurants hard

The rising cost of gas due to the Iran War means North Texas restaurants face higher costs. FOX 4's David Sentendrey has more.

DALLAS - Restaurants in North Texas are feeling the effects of the Iran War, as costs have increased for over 75% of restaurant owners in the state.

Rising restaurant costs

What we know:

The Texas Restaurant Association released their first quarter report for 2026, and it shows how many businesses have been affected by rising costs.

77% of operators have reported increasing costs in the first quarter of the year, and 66% reported a rise in fuel surcharges.

The increased costs come due to a rise in gas prices that have been brought about by the United States and Israel's war with Iran.

TRA reports that customer traffic has not decreased in 2026, as 80% of businesses have absorbed the price increases rather than charging customers more.

"Everybody’s kind of going uh-oh"

Local perspective:

Mark Maguire, who owns Renny's in North Dallas, is feeling the effects of the Iran War like many other restaurant owners.

"It’s the most crazy, unpredictable time I’ve seen in my 45 years in the business," Maguire tells FOX 4's David Sentendrey.

"I think everybody thought, oh it’s going to be two or three weeks, and we’ll be done," Maguire continued. "And you know, two or three weeks went, and the prices were going up,"

Mark Maguire

"Then three or four weeks more, and prices kept going up, and now we’re at a point where everybody’s kind of going uh-oh."

The uncertainty has led to frustration for many, but Maguire knows people go to Renny's to escape. The restaurant hasn't increased its menu prices despite the surge in costs.

"And I think it’s a real thing and I think no matter how much money you have, at some point you get a little worn out with the prices of everything going up and up and up and up," Maguire says.