Edmonton's Beb's Bagels has removed its most popular menu item, the smoke meat sandwich, due to soaring beef prices. Co-owner Lindon Carter explained that the cost of beef has risen from $10 per kilogram three years ago to as high as $17 per kilogram currently. The smoke meat sandwich, a customer favorite, was instrumental in helping the business establish its physical storefront. Carter emphasized that the shop does not accept tips to ensure consistent staff pay, but rising food costs forced the difficult decision to remove the sandwich. "We could go with lesser quality meats for that sandwich in particular but decided to take it off the menu because we just couldn't justify that," Carter stated. The decision reflects broader concerns about food affordability in Canada, with Concordia University economics professor Moshe Lander noting that inflation has caused some foods to double in price over a generation while incomes have not kept pace. Lander highlighted that Canadians are increasingly concerned about cost of living and affordability issues, with many facing challenges at both the price and income levels. The shop's choice to maintain quality over cost-cutting measures underscores the growing pressure on small businesses to balance affordability with maintaining product standards. This move by Beb's Bagels is part of a larger trend where businesses are forced to make tough choices due to economic pressures, particularly in the food industry where ingredient costs have surged. The situation illustrates the complex interplay between consumer demand, business sustainability, and economic factors affecting everyday food choices.