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Egg aficionados beware – the escalating cost of eggs isn’t just hitting consumers’ wallets but also impacting restaurants reliant on this breakfast staple. One such establishment feeling the strain is Waffle House, renowned for its delectable pecan waffles and quick breakfast offerings available around the clock.
To offset the soaring egg prices, the chain has implemented an additional charge for eggs. Here’s what you need to know.
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How Much is the Egg Surcharge?
Customers dining at Waffle House are now being hit with a fee of 50 cents per egg. This surcharge is applied per egg rather than per meal, meaning that if you opt for a side of two fried eggs with your hash browns, you’ll be shelling out an extra dollar on top of the standard egg price.
With Waffle House selling a staggering 272 million eggs annually, this surcharge is yielding a substantial influx of revenue for the business – a whopping $136 million over the span of a year.
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Will the Egg Surcharge be Lifted?
The silver lining is that the egg surcharge is not intended to be permanent. As indicated by signage at various Waffle House locations, the additional fee is labeled as “temporary.” Furthermore, Waffle House assured CNN that they are vigilantly monitoring egg prices and are prepared to modify or eliminate the surcharge based on market conditions.
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Why are Egg Prices Skyrocketing?
The poultry industry has been grappling with avian flu outbreaks since 2022, with a notable resurgence in late 2024 exacerbating the situation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that over 20 million egg-laying chickens met their demise or had to be culled in the U.S. during the final quarter of 2024, resulting in a drastic reduction in supply and a substantial hike in prices, averaging around $4.15 per dozen, with some regions experiencing even steeper costs.
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When Can We Expect Egg Prices to Stabilize?
Regrettably, analysts foresee a further escalation in egg prices throughout the year, with a projected 20% increase. Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, warned CNN, “Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re in this for a while. Until we have a period without any new detections, this extremely tight egg supply is likely to persist.” Therefore, while Waffle House intends to eventually eliminate the egg surcharge, a swift resolution seems unlikely in the near future.
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This article was originally featured on Cheapism.
