Mahoning Valley - There are many restaurants that are still combating inflated food prices since the start of the pandemic.

21 News reporter, Leslie Huff took a look at how some restaurants in the Valley are surviving amid increasing supply prices. 

Ohio Restaurant Association President and CEO, John Barker says food prices for restaurants increased between 15-18% in the last year. Reaching a 41-year high.

Valley restaurateur Mark Canzonetta says protein items, like meat and eggs, and cooking ingredients like oil have doubled in price. The fluctuating prices are impacting various factors within the industry.

Canzonetta says adjustments to menu prices and items is one way they are combatting inflation.

"We have to pass on some of those costs to the consumer, sadly. We can't absorb them all," Canzonetta said adding, "You try to utilize what you have in different ways."

Canzonetta encourages people to visit local small eateries.

"The local restaurateur does not have the deep pockets that a national change has," Canzonetta said.