News Summary
As the ongoing egg crisis persists, Waffle House has introduced a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg across its 2,100 locations in response to rising prices caused by an egg shortage linked to bird flu. With egg prices soaring nearly 40% in the past year, the diner chain aims to maintain transparency about costs while navigating a challenging market. Other restaurants are exploring different approaches, leaving consumers to adjust their breakfast budgets amidst fluctuating prices.
Waffle House Introduces Temporary 50-Cent Egg Surcharge Amid Egg Drought
Feeling a bit *eggs-hausted* from the ongoing egg crisis? You’re not alone! Waffle House, a beloved diner chain known for its *scrumptious breakfasts*, has decided to take a step that many might find a little *eggs-traordinary*. They’ve implemented a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg at all of their more than 2,100 locations across 25 states.
Why the Increase?
This decision comes on the heels of a substantial and ongoing egg shortage that’s been caused primarily by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as *bird flu*. This wasn’t just a small blip on the radar; egg prices across the country have seen a sharp surge of nearly 40% over the past year. If you’re keeping track, you’d notice that the average price of a dozen eggs has jumped from $2.14 back in November 2023 to a whopping $3.65 by November 2024. That’s enough to make any breakfast lover raise an eyebrow!
The Numbers Game
At Waffle House, eggs aren’t just an add-on—they’re a major player. The diner serves approximately 272 million eggs annually, far outpacing their waffle sales, which sit at around 124 million. That’s a *whole lotta eggs*! But with the *bird flu* causing significant disruption, the chain is having to rethink how they manage their menu prices. Waffle House has committed to adjusting or possibly removing this surcharge depending on the *ever-changing market conditions*. It’s like trying to manage a *scrambled egg situation* during a *breakfast rush*!
Impact of the Bird Flu
The bird flu outbreak has taken a toll on poultry stocks, affecting nearly 150 million poultry across all states since January 2022. This has left many restaurants scrambling to adjust as the supply chain takes a hit. Unfortunately, experts warn that egg prices may not stabilize anytime soon, predicting a potential rise of another 20% this year due to the already tight supply and increasing demand.
Alternatives and Reactions
Making Sense of It All
In the meantime, if you find yourself at a Waffle House, expect the bill to reflect this temporary egg surcharge, and perhaps take a moment to appreciate the *ripple effect* of bird flu and its impact on breakfast as we know it. Happy eating!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WTVM: Cracker Barrel Won’t Charge Extra for Eggs
- Fox Business: Egg Surcharge Hits Diners’ Wallets
- IndyStar: Waffle House Adds Egg Surcharge
- MSN: Cracker Barrel Calls Out Waffle House Over Egg Surcharge
- WRBL: Is Raising Chickens the Best Way to Combat Egg Prices?
- Wikipedia: Egg
- Google Search: Bird Flu
- Google Scholar: Egg Surcharge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Avian Influenza
- Google News: Egg Prices
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
