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Due to meat processing plans closing down across the country as an effect of COVID-19, grocery stores and fast food restaurants are being affected.

Wendy’s has limited their menu, removing some of its burgers as the company anticipates disruption to locations. As of Monday, nearly 1/5 of Wendy’s restaurants, a total of 1,043, were completely sold out of beef products.

According to Stephens analyst James Rutherford, Wendy’s is more exposed to the shortage because of its use of fresh beef for burgers and other menu items.

“Some of our menu items may be in short supply from time to time at some restaurants in this current environment,” Wendy’s said in an emailed statement to Restaurant Business. “We expect this to be temporary, and we’re working diligently to minimize the impact to our customers and restaurants.”

Some grocery stores have began limiting the amount of ground beef and pork that customers can buy at a time to just 2 or 3 items.

On a positive note, this could push more people into trying the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Written by Clarke Jones

Source: New York Times