Rising Costs Put Pressure on Local Small Businesses
By Tisha Potijaroen Published: Oct. 10, 2026 at 2:37 AM GMT+2 | Updated: 2 hours ago
Small business owners are feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this impact is being felt by their employees and customers alike, according to local restaurant owners who met with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.
Cortez Masto, accompanied by business owners, discussed how economic factors like tariffs and the Iran war have led to surging prices for food, gas, groceries, and other essentials.
Kasey Christensen, co-owner of Süp, shared her concerns about covering higher transportation and supply costs while still offering her staff a living wage. These rising expenses are already being reflected in customer spending habits.
"Nevada’s hospitality industry is a cornerstone of our state's identity," Cortez Masto noted, "but these rising costs are hindering people from enjoying their communities." She emphasized the ripple effect: failing businesses, struggling communities, and affected families.
Christensen agreed, underscoring that this issue extends far beyond individual businesses. "Small businesses fail, communities fail, families fail; it’s across the board," she said.
Cortez Masto asserted that addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort, transcending political divisions. She expressed her commitment to working on solutions at both state and federal levels, aiming to reverse policies driving up costs and making them more affordable.