Victoria’s neighborhood food scene is taking a one-two hit this summer, as two longtime small businesses prepare to turn out the lights within days of each other. The Chopping Block meat market will close its Victoria location on Saturday, June 27, and Paint's Underground Pizza, a six-year neighborhood favorite, will serve its last slices on July 5. Owners say rising ingredient and operating costs have finally pushed them past the breaking point.
Closures Announced On Facebook
According to MySA, The Chopping Block shared the news on Facebook on June 21 that its Victoria meat market will close Saturday, June 27. The company’s Webster location near Houston will remain open while the Victoria shop winds down. As MySA notes, the owners used the post to thank customers and employees for their years of support.
Paint's Owners Share A Farewell
Two days later, on June 23, Paint's co-owners Michael and Lily Painter took to Facebook with their own bittersweet goodbye. "Six years ago, we opened our doors with a dream..." they wrote, going on to thank regulars and staff for "an incredible journey." Over those six years, Paint's built a local following for its tavern-style, square-cut pies and larger specialty pizzas. MySA reported that the outlet reached out to both businesses for further comment.
Owners Cite Rising Costs And Chain Pressure
Both sets of owners told local outlets that the math simply stopped working. Rising food and labor costs, combined with pressure from national chains, left too little room for error. John Tyrna, owner of The Chopping Block, told Crossroads Today that using fresh, natural products has become more expensive and that "a lot of people and places are going to a cheaper and alternative route." That cost squeeze, the owners say, has made it nearly impossible for small, independent operators to absorb higher wholesale prices.
A National Price Squeeze For Beef
The local struggle is part of a bigger, nationwide story. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service shows beef and veal price categories running well ahead of year-ago levels in spring 2026, with more price pressure projected this year. USDA ERS cites tight cattle supplies and higher farm-level prices as key drivers, costs that eventually ripple straight into butcher shops and restaurant menus.
Addresses And Last Service Days
Locals hoping for one last visit before the doors close can find The Chopping Block at 7010 N. Navarro St., Victoria, and Paint's Underground Pizza at 5001B John Stockbauer Drive. The Chopping Block keeps information online at The Chopping Block, while Paint's details its hours and offerings at Paint's Underground Pizza. Customers should check hours before heading over, since final service days often bring altered schedules and long lines.
