CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Prices of tamales are on the rise in the Coastal Bend as local businesses warn of a shortage.
Granny’s Tamales is one of the main sources of tamales for businesses and customers in the area. A shortage from her suppliers in San Antonio is what owner Rosemary Benavides said is leading to problems.
“We’ve been struggling since August,” Benavides said. “Because of the pandemic it’s been very hard for us to try to keep up with the demand.”
Benavides also spoke about staffing issues as her business continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What makes it difficult," Benavides said. Is that they also have a shortage in workers. "You know with the pandemic it’s been very difficult to find people to come in and help, you know. So we’re depending a lot on our family.”
Her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Myers, is helping provide some relief from that.
“It’s fun,” Myers said. “I’m all over the place doing everything. A little bit of everything around here, helping out.”
As for the rising prices, Myers said she’s heard the complaints of their customers.
“We have a lot of complaints about the price going up and stuff,” Myers said. “But it’s nothing we can help because our prices have went up too. Double the price.”
To conserve as many tamales as possible, Benavides recommends stocking up and freezing them until supply levels return to normal.
“We’re suggesting that if people can,” Benavides said. “They can go ahead and buy them right now and they can also freeze them. They can cool them down and freeze them and have them for the holidays. And so they don’t have to be waiting until the last minute and the big lines.”
Due to the shortage, Granny’s Tamales is no longer taking orders. Instead, tamales are served on a first come, first serve basis. This is expected to continue until supply levels return to normal.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Jury awards family of drunk driving victims more than $301 billion after suspect was overserved at Corpus Christi bar
- 'Crime Stoppers tip' leads to seizure of 24 marijuana plants, two arrested
- Operation Heat Help: Qualified residents can get up to $100 credit a month on natural gas bill this winter
- Texas A&M University-Kingsville professor explains redistricting lawsuit filed against Texas
- Woman arrested after pulling gun, threatening to shoot others over parking spot, police say
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.