Waffle House, known for its 24-hour service, occasional Lana Del Rey sightings, and top-notch natural disaster tracking, is now implementing a new pricing strategy for its egg dishes. As egg prices soar across the country, the beloved all-day breakfast chain has announced a 50-cent surcharge for each egg served.
Reports from customers indicate that the announcement has been prominently displayed at Waffle House locations, appearing on menus and signs throughout the dining areas. With the chain serving over 272 million eggs annually, the impact of the price hike has been keenly felt.
A spokesperson for Waffle House, speaking to CNN, acknowledged the challenges faced by both customers and restaurants in light of the escalating egg prices. The representative assured that the chain will closely monitor egg costs and adjust the surcharge as needed in response to market fluctuations.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen eggs surged to $4.15 by December 2024, marking a staggering increase of more than 65% compared to the previous year. Presently, egg prices are at their highest levels in over a decade.
The current spike in prices, reminiscent of a similar surge in late 2022 to early 2023, can be attributed to the avian flu outbreak. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza made its way to North America in late 2021, initially affecting wild birds before spreading to commercial poultry flocks in all 50 states.
The US Department of Agriculture has reported that nearly 154 million poultry have been impacted by the crisis. The adaptable nature of the H5N1 strain has allowed it to infect non-bird species, including cattle, pets, and even at least 67 humans.
Although federal officials maintain that the public health risk remains low, consumers are feeling the impact through escalating grocery prices. The spread of avian flu continues unabated, with Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board, cautioning that the tight egg supply is likely to persist until a detection-free period is achieved.
Due to the strain on egg supply, the USDA forecasts a further 20% increase in egg prices for 2025. While local eateries nationwide have begun implementing surcharges in response to the rising costs, Waffle House stands out as the first major chain to adopt this approach. Financial analysts anticipate that other restaurants may soon follow suit in light of the ongoing egg crisis.
