Yes, a supply crunch does make it difficult to execute on these types of strategies. And you're certainly right that having a relationship with your suppliers is often advantageous -- very often, including upstream parties in one's system boundaries increases one's surface area for cost optimization.

Also, just thinking aloud, during normal times, if you happen to know other hobbyist BBQ folks, I'm wondering if there might be opportunities to enter into an informal group-buying situation where you pool your collective brisket demand and bulk buy at a discount. That wouldn't work right now but perhaps it might during normal times. There are websites based around this idea. Best of luck.