Mario Lopez and Wife Courtney Share the Secret to Their ‘Fun’ 13-Year Marriage (Exclusive)

Mario and Courtney Lopez spoke exclusively to PEOPLE while attending an event in Malibu, Calif., on May 1

NEED TO KNOW

• The couple, who got married in 2012, revealed the secret to keeping their 13-year marriage strong to this day

• Since meeting during a Broadway production in 2008, the couple have welcomed three children

MarioandCourtney Lopezare revealing the secret to lasting love.

The longtime couple spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about how their relationship continues to withstand the tests of time while attending the Calamigos Ranch Resort & Spa Leading Hotels of the World Accreditation Celebration in Malibu, Calif., on Friday, May 1.

Mario expressed gratitude for their family unit as he revealed the secret to a lasting marriage is an understanding partner. TheSaved by the Bellstar, 52, sharesthree children—  Gia, 15, Dominic, 12, and Santino, 6 — with his wife, Courtney, 43.

“I’m just really lucky, married to an incredible woman who gets me, knows me, fortunately loves me, and we laugh a lot and have a lot of fun,” Mario told PEOPLE. “We’re blessed with three great kids, three great dogs, so I feel really good and lucky.”

Courtney chimed in, “It just gets better and better, and I’m not trying to be corny, but it does. We just love each other. We have fun. We laugh.”

When asked about their date nights, the couple revealed they often go on multiday trips to maintain their bond.

“We try to carve out certain days,” Mario said. “This little event is a little getaway weekend within town, which is great, so we get to be back on Sunday. Those are important. We never stopped dating — that’s important.”

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He added that the getaways don’t have to involve flights abroad.

“It’s funny because we like to go to Vegas a lot,” Mario said. “We go for the fights, we’ll go for shows and stuff, do the wine trips. This is great. Catch up on sleep.”

After meeting during a production of the Broadway revival ofA Chorus Linein 2008, the couple welcomed their first child together, Gina, in 2010. Theytied the knotin 2012 in Punta Mita, Mexico.

Mario previously revealed to PEOPLE while attending an event in December, that they havethree unspoken rulesthat keep their relationship strong.

Sign up forFrom the Editor, our free weekly newsletter from PEOPLE's Editor-in-Chief, Charlotte Triggs.

"We try to go without no more than two weeks without seeing each other," he said, adding that not going "to bed angry" and making sure to "prioritize date nights" are also key.

Read the original article onPeople

byNeo

in

May 10, 2026

Mario Lopez and Wife Courtney Share the Secret to Their ‘Fun’ 13-Year Marriage (Exclusive)

Mario and Courtney Lopez spoke exclusively to PEOPLE while attending an event in Malibu, Calif., on May 1 NEED TO KNOW ...

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HoopsHype Daily: Ajay Mitchell has a breakthrough night, James Harden delivers in clutch time

Every day, we bring you the best and worst performers from the previous night in the NBA.

🏀 Best players of the day

Ajay Mitchell

24 pts - 10 ast - 4 reb - 3 stl - 10-17 FG

Donovan Mitchell

35 pts - 10 reb - 4 ast - 0 stl - 13-24 FG

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

23 pts - 9 ast - 4 reb - 2 blk - 7-20 FG

Jarrett Allen

18 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 7-9 FG

Evan Mobley

13 pts - 8 reb - 4 ast - 2 blk - 4-6 FG

James Harden

19 pts - 7 ast - 2 reb - 1 stl - 8-14 FG

Chet Holmgren

18 pts - 9 reb - 1 ast - 1 blk - 9-14 FG

12 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 4-7 FG

Cason Wallace

16 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 stl - 6-10 FG

Isaiah Hartenstein

12 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 6-7 FG

Duncan Robinson

15 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 5 stl - 5-9 FG

Rui Hachimura

21 pts - 5 reb - 4 ast - 1 stl - 7-14 FG

Dennis Schroeder

11 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 blk - 4-5 FG

Luke Kennard

18 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 7-10 FG

Cade Cunningham

27 pts - 10 reb - 10 ast - 1 stl - 10-27 FG

Luguentz Dort

21 pts - 5 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 7-14 FG

Tobias Harris

19 pts - 8 ast - 6 reb - 1 stl - 7-19 FG

LeBron James

19 pts - 8 ast - 6 reb - 1 stl - 7-19 FG

Alex Caruso

6 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 3-6 FG

Austin Reaves

17 pts - 9 ast - 3 reb - 0 stl - 5-13 FG

* (RAT)Global Rating, which measures performance based on individual and team stats. You can check season rankingshere.

📉 Worst players of the day

Daniss Jenkins

2 pts - 3 ast - 1 reb - 1 tov - 1-5 FG

3 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 2 tov - 1-2 FG

7 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 2 tov - 3-7 FG

Marcus Smart

10 pts - 3 reb - 3 ast - 2 tov - 3-7 FG

Caris LeVert

6 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG

Jalen Duren

11 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 3 tov - 5-8 FG

Deandre Ayton

10 pts - 6 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 5-9 FG

Ausar Thompson

9 pts - 7 reb - 5 ast - 0 tov - 4-10 FG

Austin Reaves

17 pts - 9 ast - 3 reb - 5 tov - 5-13 FG

Alex Caruso

6 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 0 tov - 3-6 FG

LeBron James

19 pts - 8 ast - 6 reb - 3 tov - 7-19 FG

Tobias Harris

21 pts - 5 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 7-14 FG

Luguentz Dort

10 pts - 3 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 4-5 FG

Cade Cunningham

27 pts - 10 reb - 10 ast - 8 tov - 10-27 FG

Luke Kennard

18 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 0 tov - 7-10 FG

Dennis Schroeder

11 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 tov - 4-5 FG

Rui Hachimura

21 pts - 5 reb - 4 ast - 1 tov - 7-14 FG

Duncan Robinson

15 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 0 tov - 5-9 FG

Isaiah Hartenstein

12 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 4 tov - 6-7 FG

Cason Wallace

16 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 tov - 6-10 FG

* Minimum 15 minutes played

🚀 Breakout players of the day

Ajay Mitchell

24 pts - 10 ast - 4 reb - 3 stl - 10-17 FG

Jarrett Allen

18 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 7-9 FG

Donovan Mitchell

35 pts - 10 reb - 4 ast - 0 stl - 13-24 FG

12 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 4-7 FG

Luguentz Dort

10 pts - 3 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 4-5 FG

Luke Kennard

18 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 7-10 FG

Evan Mobley

13 pts - 8 reb - 4 ast - 2 blk - 4-6 FG

Cason Wallace

16 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 stl - 6-10 FG

Dennis Schroeder

11 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 blk - 4-5 FG

Chet Holmgren

18 pts - 9 reb - 1 ast - 1 blk - 9-14 FG

Alex Caruso

6 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 3-6 FG

Duncan Robinson

15 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 5 stl - 5-9 FG

Isaiah Hartenstein

12 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 6-7 FG

Rui Hachimura

21 pts - 5 reb - 4 ast - 1 stl - 7-14 FG

Tobias Harris

21 pts - 5 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 7-14 FG

James Harden

19 pts - 7 ast - 2 reb - 1 stl - 8-14 FG

LeBron James

19 pts - 8 ast - 6 reb - 1 stl - 7-19 FG

Marcus Smart

10 pts - 3 reb - 3 ast - 1 stl - 3-7 FG

Caris LeVert

6 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 4 stl - 2-6 FG

Ausar Thompson

9 pts - 7 reb - 5 ast - 2 blk - 4-10 FG

* (DIFF) Difference between last game and 2025-26 Global Rating (minimum five games played)

😞 Bombs of the day

Jalen Duren

11 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 3 tov - 5-8 FG

Austin Reaves

17 pts - 9 ast - 3 reb - 5 tov - 5-13 FG

Cade Cunningham

27 pts - 10 reb - 10 ast - 8 tov - 10-27 FG

Deandre Ayton

10 pts - 6 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 5-9 FG

Daniss Jenkins

2 pts - 3 ast - 1 reb - 1 tov - 1-5 FG

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

23 pts - 9 ast - 4 reb - 2 tov - 7-20 FG

3 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 2 tov - 1-2 FG

Ausar Thompson

9 pts - 7 reb - 5 ast - 0 tov - 4-10 FG

Caris LeVert

6 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG

Marcus Smart

10 pts - 3 reb - 3 ast - 2 tov - 3-7 FG

LeBron James

19 pts - 8 ast - 6 reb - 3 tov - 7-19 FG

James Harden

19 pts - 7 ast - 2 reb - 3 tov - 8-14 FG

Tobias Harris

21 pts - 5 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 7-14 FG

Rui Hachimura

21 pts - 5 reb - 4 ast - 1 tov - 7-14 FG

Isaiah Hartenstein

12 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 4 tov - 6-7 FG

Duncan Robinson

15 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 0 tov - 5-9 FG

Alex Caruso

6 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 0 tov - 3-6 FG

Chet Holmgren

18 pts - 9 reb - 1 ast - 1 tov - 9-14 FG

Dennis Schroeder

11 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 tov - 4-5 FG

Cason Wallace

16 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 tov - 6-10 FG

* (DIFF) Difference between last game and 2025-26 Global Rating (minimum five games played)

⭐ Best rookies of the day

Adou Thiero

4 pts - 8 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 1-3 FG

* You can check season rankingshere.

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🎯 Most clutch players

James Harden

7 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 3-4 FG

Jarrett Allen

2 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 1-1 FG

Donovan Mitchell

4 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-3 FG

Tobias Harris

3 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-2 FG

Cade Cunningham

5 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 2-3 FG

Duncan Robinson

3 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-2 FG

2 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 1-2 FG

Evan Mobley

0 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

Jalen Duren

0 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

Ausar Thompson

0 pts - 1 ast - 0 reb - 1 blk - 0-1 FG

Daniss Jenkins

0 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

0 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

0 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

Sam Merrill

0 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

* (RAT) Clutch Rating, which measures performance in the last five minutes of 4Q or OT when the score is within five points

🌍 Best international players

Ajay Mitchell

24 pts - 10 ast - 4 reb - 3 stl - 10-17 FG

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

23 pts - 9 ast - 4 reb - 2 blk - 7-20 FG

Isaiah Hartenstein

12 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 6-7 FG

Rui Hachimura

21 pts - 5 reb - 4 ast - 1 stl - 7-14 FG

Dennis Schroeder

11 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 blk - 4-5 FG

Luguentz Dort

10 pts - 3 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 4-5 FG

Deandre Ayton

10 pts - 6 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 5-9 FG

Javonte Green

3 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-5 FG

Maxi Kleber

0 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 0-1 FG

* Includes players who represent national teams other than Team USA

💺 Best bench players

12 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 4-7 FG

Cason Wallace

16 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 stl - 6-10 FG

Dennis Schroeder

11 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 blk - 4-5 FG

Luke Kennard

18 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 7-10 FG

Alex Caruso

6 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 3-6 FG

11 pts - 3 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 4-4 FG

Sam Merrill

7 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 2-4 FG

Caris LeVert

6 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 4 stl - 2-6 FG

Jaylin Williams

3 pts - 4 reb - 2 ast - 0 stl - 1-2 FG

6 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 2-2 FG

Jared McCain

3 pts - 1 ast - 0 reb - 0 stl - 1-1 FG

Aaron Wiggins

4 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 2-2 FG

Jaylon Tyson

3 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 blk - 1-3 FG

Adou Thiero

4 pts - 8 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 1-3 FG

Isaiah Stewart

4 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 2-3 FG

Jaxson Hayes

1 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG

Dalton Knecht

0 pts - 3 ast - 1 reb - 0 stl - 0-2 FG

Ron Holland

0 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 1 blk - 0-0 FG

Bronny James

2 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-1 FG

Javonte Green

3 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-5 FG

🏆 All-Time Ranking

James Harden

Caldwell Jones

Donovan Mitchell

Kevin Johnson, Bob Cousy, Jamal Murray

Donovan Mitchell

Derrick Rose

Marcus Smart

Chris Webber, LaMarcus Aldridge, JR Smith

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Vinnie Johnson, John Paxson, Nate Archibald, Cliff Hagan, Kenny Smith, Ron Harper, Dan Majerle

Tobias Harris

Jack Coleman

Alex Caruso

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Marc Gasol, Greg Anthony, B.J. Armstrong, OG Anunoby, Aaron McKie, Paul Silas, Kyle Korver, Hedo Turkoglu

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

DeMar DeRozan, Darryl Dawkins, Peja Stojakovic, John Starks

Deandre Ayton

Detlef Schrempf, Kevon Looney, Arnie Risen

Evan Mobley

Jamaal Wilkes, Kyrie Irving, Blake Griffin, Nazr Mohammed, Mike Green, Boris Diaw, Dan Majerle, Clemon Johnson, Hassan Whiteside, Jason Kidd

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

George Gervin, Nate Thurmond, Kurt Thomas, Alvin Scott, Stephen Curry, Ian Mahinmi, Jeff Green, Andrew Lang, Tony Battie, Cedric Maxwell, Jaren Jackson Jr, John Stockton, Jrue Holiday

Tobias Harris

Alonzo Mourning

Deandre Ayton

Kyle Lowry, Arvydas Sabonis, Anfernee Hardaway, Jonas Valanciunas

🌐 Stats per country

United States

350 points - 116 rebounds - 78 assists

Rest of the World

114 points - 37 rebounds - 28 assists

33 points - 9 assists - 7 rebounds -

24 points - 10 assists - 4 rebounds -

23 points - 11 rebounds - 5 assists

21 points - 5 rebounds - 4 assists

10 points - 6 rebounds - 0 assists

3 points - 2 rebounds - 0 assists

0 points - 2 rebounds - 0 assists

* Includes players who represent national teams other than Team USA

163 points - 65 rebounds - 38 assists

67 points - 20 rebounds - 15 assists

35 points - 12 rebounds - 5 assists

Jordan Brand

27 points - 8 rebounds - 7 assists

17 points - 9 assists - 3 rebounds -

New Balance

6 points - 0 rebounds - 0 assists

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype:HoopsHype Daily: Ajay Mitchell has a breakthrough night, James Harden delivers in clutch time

byNeo

in

May 09, 2026

HoopsHype Daily: Ajay Mitchell has a breakthrough night, James Harden delivers in clutch time

Every day, we bring you the best and worst performers from the previous night in the NBA. 🏀 Best players of the day Ajay Mitche...

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Dolly Parton, Zayn, more nixing tour dates. See 2026 cancellations

Some of your favorite musical artists are sitting this tour cycle out.

From country legendDolly Partontothe Pussycat Dolls,several musical acts have either modified recent touring schedules or canceled all their stops completely in recent months.

The reasons behind the changes vary, with some artists citinghealth issuesand others hinting at a lack of audience interest.

"When we announced the PCD FOREVER Tour, we hoped to bring the show to fans across the world," the Pussycat Dolls said in aMay 4 Instagram post. "After taking an honest look at the North American run, we’ve made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to cancel all but one of the North America dates."

Other artists, includingMeghan TrainorandPost Malone, have also pulled the plug on their tours, offering similar but different statements about specific constraints. Malone, however, elected to "push the tour back" while Trainor canceled all Get In Girl Tour shows.

"I came to the realization that what we're trying to do, and what's possible, isn't really lining up," Malone wrote in a May 1 Instagram story. "We ain't ready for tour just yet..."

Here's a list of artists who have recently canceled their tours.

Dolly Parton

Amidst ongoing health issues, country legendDolly Partonmade the decision to cancel her previously postponed Las Vegas residency.

"It's going to take me a little while before I'm up to stage-performance level," the "Jolene" singer said in a May 4 update. "Well, you get on to Vegas. You have a big time, and hopefully, some time you'll come up to New York and maybe see my show."

"I've still got some healing to do, but I am on my way!" Parton added. "See you soon."

Zayn

Zayn Malik, like Parton, is stepping back from the spotlight and stage to focus on hishealth.

The former One Direction memberrevealed in a May 1 Instagram story that he was reducing the number of shows on his Konnakol Tour due to ongoing health concerns. The "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" singer canceled all of the dates on the upcoming leg of his U.S. tour.

"I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before. I want to make sure I still get out and see as many of you as I possibly can," he said in the post.

"I’m really looking forward to playing these shows for you, and I hope to see the rest of you around the world very soon. Big Love, Z," Malik added.

Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster were automatically refunded to customers; however, those who purchased tickets through a third-party reseller, such as StubHub or SeatGeek, were encouraged to contact their respective vendor for additional information.

The Pussycat Dolls

The upcomingPussycat Dollsreunion will go on, just not in America. The girl groupannounced May 4that they were canceling all but one of their North American shows.

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The"Buttons" singersare still performing at West Hollywood Pride's OUTLOUD Music Festival on June 6, as planned.

"We are putting everything into making this show a true celebration of the music and the memories, for the fans who have been with us from the beginning and those discovering us for the first time," the Pussycat Dolls said in an Instagram post. "We're working hard to create the kind of show we've always dreamed of bringing to you."

The tour, which was to kick off in June, features just three original members:Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts. The group did not directly offer a reason for the move.

They said refunds for direct sales would be issued automatically, while anyone who purchased tickets through third-party sellers would need to contact their point of purchase.

Post Malone and Jelly Roll

Post Malonetweaked his tour schedule. In a May 1 Instagram story, the rap-turned-country star announced that he was "pushing the tour back," canceling five shows across the United States as a result of the schedule shift.

"I came to the realization that what we're trying to do, and what's possible, isn't really lining up," Malone wrote in a May 1 Instagram story. "We ain't ready for tour just yet, so I'm making the decision to push the tour back."

According toRolling Stone, the schedule shift comes as the nine-time diamond-certified star finishes his 40-song double album "The Eternal Buzz." The series of canceled shows was scheduled to take place between May 13 and May 29.

Even with the stadium dates pushed back, Post Malone is still scheduled to play festival shows in New Mexico (May 16), Florida (May 31) and South Carolina (June 7), all of whichremain posted on his website.Post Malone did not cite ticket sales as a reason for the schedule changes.

Malone'sBig Ass Stadium Tourwith fellow country artistJelly Rollkicked off April 10 and resumes in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 9.

Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainorwon't be taking the show on the road, revealing that she canceled her upcoming tour to be there forher family.

"After a lot of reflection and some really tough conversations, I've made the difficult decision to cancel theGet In Girl Tour," Trainor said in an April 16 Instagram story. The announcement came one week before the release of Trainor's seventh album, "Toy With Me."

"Balancing the release of a new album, preparing for a nationwide tour, and welcoming our new baby girl to our growing family of five has just been more than I can take on right now, and I need to be home and present for each and all of them at this time," she said.

Trainor apologized to her fans, "I am so sorry to let you down."

"But I know this is the right decision for my family and me right now," she added. "I promise I’ll be back soon, and I can’t wait for you to hear this new record. I’m so proud of it, and I’m endlessly grateful for your love and support always."

The "All About That Bass" songstress and her husband,Daryl Sabara, welcomed theirthird child together, a daughter, via surrogacy on Jan. 18. They also share two sons – Riley, 4, and Barry, 2.

Contributing: Edward Segarra, KiMi Robinson, Greta Cross & Taijuan Moorman/ USA TODAY; Cooper Worth/ Des Moines Register

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dolly Parton, Zayn, more nixing 2026 tour dates. See cancellations

byNeo

in

May 09, 2026

Dolly Parton, Zayn, more nixing tour dates. See 2026 cancellations

Some of your favorite musical artists are sitting this tour cycle out. From country legendDolly Partontothe Pussycat Dolls,several...

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From tomatoes to beef, food costs are making life hard for restaurants

The sign on the deli counter at downtown's Cafe Barista & Deli says it all. "Due to the rising cost of tomatoes, we will not have them until they come down in price."

The same thing is happening atZip's, in Mount Lookout, where owner Mike Burke took tomatoes off the menu a few weeks ago. Burke said the only ones that were available were poor quality. Despite that, Burke was asked to pay $89 a 25-pound case versus the $25.96 he was paying just one year ago. "So you'd be buying an expensive product that looks and tastes like s---," he said.

Across the Ohio River, Alyssa Joy Adkins – who, along with her partner Sergio Gutierrez, ownsOllataqueria in Covington – paid $43.18 for 25 pounds of tomatoes in September. As of this week, they cost $97.85.

According to the latest consumer price index thecost of tomatoes jumped 15%in one month, February to March, and 22% in the last year. What's even more telling is that the monthly inflation rate for tomatoes in March was the largest for any consumer good or service, outside energy commodities such as gasoline.

A variety of factors are impacting the price, including rising transportation costs due to high diesel fuel prices (caused by the war in Iran), a cold snap that wiped out $160 million worth of tomatoes in Florida, and a 17% tariff the Trump administration placed on Mexican tomatoes.

And there's no sign of prices going down anytime soon.

"We are just making sure to let guests know that we will bring them back when we have an option that isn't cost prohibitive and matches the quality that we/they expect," Burke said.

It's not just tomatoes

While tomato prices are grabbingall of the headlines, local chefs say prices of meats and fish are also rising.

One restaurant owner who is feeling those price increases firsthand is Danny Combs, of Colette,a restaurant in Over-the-Rhine. The price of the cod he uses for one of his most popular dishes jumped 30% since they opened in 2023.

In College Hill, Matt Cuff, owner of Just Q'in barbecue, has seen his pork prices climb 13%. While pork was something he could always count on for profits, that's no longer the case.

But it's beef prices that have chefs and restaurant owners most worried.

"Beef prices are sky high," said Tavis Rockwell, owner of Rump & Roll Delicatessen, in Dayton, Kentucky. While fuel costs from the war are partly to blame, he also cites small herds that can't keep up with demand.

"Beef is going through the roof, because less people are farming it in America," Rockwell said.

Anthony Sitek, owner of Crown Restaurant Group – which runs Marigold, Crown Cantina and Losanti, among other restaurants – said he is switching to Ohio-raised cattle at one of his restaurants, since it is cheaper than the cattle he's bringing in from out of state.

Len Bleh, owner of Avril-Bleh butcher shop – which sells its beef to several Cincinnati restaurants, including Zip's – said he's had to raise the price of his ground beef 12% since the beginning of 2026. "Demand is up and supply is short," he said. "And with rising fuel prices, shipping costs are higher." Bleh added that factors such as drought in the West combined with higher prices for feed have lead to farmers raising less cattle.

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Will rising prices mean menu prices will be going up?

For a small business like Rump & Roll, it might be necessary to raise prices to survive. "I took my sandwiches all up a dollar from when I opened," Rockwell said. "I might have to do another one this summer."

Cuff is struggling with the decision to raise prices at Just Q'in, too. "I am considering it," he said. "We reduced prices at the end of last year to make things more affordable, but I am looking at (raising them) right now." He's also pushing the restaurant's burgers since they help him make the most of his brisket, the trimmings of which he can grind into burgers.

Burke is trying to hold off on increasing prices at Zip's as long as he can. "We have not raised our prices in almost a year," he said.

The primary reason he's hesitant to do it again is that he doesn't want to scare customers off. "We are known for being a family friendly restaurant. If I let prices get to high I fear we might lose that," he said. "However, if the prices continue to rise, restaurants will be forced to raise their prices."

Like Burke, Olla co-owner Adkins is trying to wait things out, "Last year we sat down as a team and raised our prices 50 cents across the board," she said. "We do not have any plans to raise our prices any further. We're going to keep pushing through as long as our employees are paid, the lights stay on and our customers leave fed and happy. That's what matters most to us."

Sitek said Crown restaurants are far better off than those smaller mom-and-pop-owned places, which are more fragile when it comes to cost fluctuations. "One bad week for a mom-and-pop is detrimental," he said. Since Crown butchers all of their own meat, he isn't feeling as much of a crunch. But customers are already complaining about his menu prices being too high.

He thinks there's a major misconception between consumer and restaurant owners when it comes to menu prices.

"They see beef at Costco going for $10 a pound, or a porterhouse at Kroger for $8.99 a pound. But I can't buy (quality) beef for under $18. It gives us a bad perception, but they are not giving you good quality meat." From a cost standpoint, he wants his customers to understand that he is putting the best meat and produce possible on the table, and that is what they are paying for.

Meanwhile, Combs is playing around with his Colette menu to keep prices affordable.

"We will try and eat some of the costs on items and ingredients that people love, but we make sure we balance that somewhere else on the menu to try to make up for it."

To make sure he can keep the cod on his menu, Combs focuses on affordable sourcing. He also makes sure his kitchen crew knows how to butcher it properly and use what's leftover so nothing goes to waste. He also counterbalances the cod with menu items that don't create as much of a financial loss.

While Combs is determined to keep using the best ingredients he can afford, he knows that raising prices to absorb those costs can be a death knell for any restaurant that is already perceived as expensive.

"You can have a line out the door and be busy every night, but if you are not paying attention to your (menu) costs, you will not last. He also wants to make sure he trains the next generation of Greater Cincinnati chefs to deal with more uncertain times ahead.

"This is something chefs and their teams should be working on every single day," Combs said. "It is the responsibility of us chefs to be training our teams so that when they get their opportunities or go somewhere else, they are running successful establishments."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer:Why tomato prices aren't the only headache for restaurants right now

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May 09, 2026

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