Founding Farmers co-owner Dan Simons estimates his restaurant group is spending about two and a half times what it budgeted for fuel this year, as first reported by WTOP.
The cost hit is broad. Simons told WTOP that diesel prices affect every product his company buys because nothing arrives digitally. Everything comes in on trucks and trains.
Diesel prices nationally have surged over the past year. The national average stood at $6.31 per gallon as of Oct. 20, according to AAA data reported by al.com. That was about $2.70 higher than a year earlier. A separate AAA report three days later, cited by the El Paso Times, put the diesel average at $5.75 per gallon. AAA said October 2026 is on pace to be the most expensive October on record for fuel.
For D.C.-area diners, the squeeze is already visible. Local food prices climbed 5% between July 2025 and July 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited by 51st News.
Founding Farmers runs a half-dozen vehicles serving nine locations in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C. With holiday party bookings ahead, Simons said he plans to add vans and refrigerated trailers for catering, pushing fuel expenses higher still.
Simons told WTOP he is not interested in coupons or value-meal promotions. He said scratch cooking gives the group room to adjust ingredients and manage costs without cheapening the product.
"By cooking from scratch, we actually have more flexibility," he said.
Beef is another pressure point. Simons said the group is partnering with new ranchers so that even as beef prices climb, diners get higher-quality cuts.
Desserts are the exception. Simons said pie and dessert prices are holding at roughly last year's levels.
"Even though our costs are up, I think for the holidays we want to help people celebrate," he said.
The group's expanded catering fleet is expected to roll out through the holiday season.
