Topic overview
In brief
- Anchor Bay Bar & Grill in Biron, Wisconsin, has raised the price of its fish fry by $2 due to increased food costs.
- Drew Hamel, the co-owner, has faced three price increases from suppliers since taking over the restaurant seven months ago.
- Despite the challenges, Hamel believes the Wisconsin fish fry tradition will continue to thrive.
Summary
In Wisconsin, a beloved tradition of Friday fish fry is facing challenges due to rising food costs. Anchor Bay Bar & Grill, located in Biron, has been a popular spot for locals who cherish their weekly fish fry. Since Drew Hamel took over the restaurant seven months ago, he has experienced three price increases from suppliers, totaling about 8% for fish. Despite his efforts to maintain prices for customers, the rising costs have made it necessary to adjust the menu pricing. In late July 2026, Hamel announced a $2 increase for the fish fry on the restaurant's Facebook page, explaining that the quality of the meal must be preserved. He emphasized that the commitment to quality would not change, even as prices rise. This situation reflects a broader trend, as the Consumer Price Index indicates that the cost of dining out has increased by 3.7% from June 2025 to June 2026. Hamel remains optimistic that the tradition of the fish fry will endure despite these economic pressures.