BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – For those planning to host a Super Bowl party this year, the cost of food could be a hurdle for some. Business owners in Baton Rouge shared tips for buying food this weekend.

The Super Bowl is one of the most significant televised sporting events and it’s just days away. With inflation causing food prices to soar, many people could be wondering which is the cheaper route, buying groceries or ordering take-out.

“It’s just that restaurant prices and grocery store prices are going to be higher than what you’re used to,” said Blaise Calandro III, Store Manager at Calandro’s Supermarket.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all food prices are predicted to increase by 7.1 percent in 2023. For popular food items like chips and dip, beer, and sodas, you could be paying a bit more at the register.

“I think for the most part people have sort of adjusted. Meat prices are way up over two or three years ago since this kind of inflation period started,” said Calandro.

Grocery store owners say with the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras going on at the same time, king cake is a popular item up for grabs. That’s why it’s best to get your grocery shopping done early.

“It makes our lives easier working in the grocery to not be slammed on Sunday morning if people are picking their stuff up all at one time,” said Calandro.

If you’re choosing to order out this year, the same goes for restaurants. Don’t wait until the last minute.

“We might run out of something you want,” said Willie Hillard, Kitchen Manager at Hannah Q Smokehouse.

Hillard says you should order at least 24 hours in advance for large catering parties. Calling in a pick-up order is recommended and some smaller restaurants could be short on delivery drivers.

“You get it ahead of time, you’ll be able to enjoy your Super Bowl,” said Hillard.

If you do choose to wait until the last minute, “Just expect that it’s going to be a little more chaotic and longer waits in the store,” said Calandro.

One thing both restaurants and grocery store workers agree on is supporting locally-owned establishments.

“Since COVID, all of the small businesses were affected. We were affected,” said Samantha Neal, Front House Manager at Hannah Q Smokehouse.

“It’s good to patronize the local businesses. It puts money back into the community,” said Hillard.