The soaring price of eggs has forced Waffle House to add a temporary surcharge on customers’ orders.
Due to the increasing nationwide egg prices caused by the aggressive avian flu strain, a popular chain based in Georgia has decided to implement a 50-cent extra charge per egg. Signs displayed at their restaurants explain the rationale behind this adjustment, noting the ongoing challenges in the egg supply chain that are driving prices up.
Acknowledging the impact of the persistent egg shortage resulting from the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Waffle House released a statement to a local news station, outlining the significant price surge in eggs. The chain highlighted that both customers and eateries are facing tough choices due to this challenging situation.
With a substantial presence across approximately 2,100 locations, Waffle House assured in their statement that they are closely monitoring the fluctuations in egg prices. They emphasized their commitment to adapt and possibly eliminate the surcharge in response to market dynamics when feasible.
Waffle House didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Avian flu has been plaguing farmers and the egg supply since January 2022, resulting in 108 million birds since then – 75 million of those were laying eggs – being slaughtered, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
However, the outbreak has gotten worse in late 202 because of a resurgence of the virus. Roughly 17 million egg-laying hens were killed in in November and December, which is nearly half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024, according to the USDA.
The average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs, which Waffle House uses, was $4.15 in December – up from $3.65 in November – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
And the cost of eggs will only get worse this year, with prices forecasted to increase 20%, the USDA said.
“Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re in this for a while,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “Until we have time without a detection, unfortunately this very, very tight egg supply is going to continue.”
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