ICYMI: Brace for Higher Prices, Georgia! Waffle House’s Egg Surcharge Sparks Sticker Shock
Waffle House is charging extra for eggs as skyrocketing prices from a bird flu outbreak leave customers paying more for their breakfast favorites. 🌐 #News #NorcrossGA #Georgia #Food
NORCROSS, GA – Waffle House customers are now paying more for their favorite breakfast items as the chain enforces a temporary 50-cent surcharge per egg. The beloved Georgia-based restaurant, known for its signature breakfast plates, has been hit hard by soaring egg prices driven by an aggressive strain of bird flu.
With costs continuing to skyrocket, Waffle House faces difficult choices as it tries to balance business operations and customer demand. This decision comes as egg prices hit record highs and show no signs of slowing down, leaving customers and the restaurant industry scrambling for solutions.
Bird Flu Creates Chaos for Egg Supplies
Since early 2022, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has devastated the poultry industry.
Over 108 million birds have been slaughtered due to the virus, with 75 million being egg-laying hens. The situation worsened in late 2024, as another wave of infections struck, forcing farmers to cull an additional 17 million hens in just two months.
The USDA confirmed that nearly half of all birds killed by the virus last year were eliminated during this sudden resurgence.
Egg production has plummeted, leaving suppliers struggling to meet demand. Waffle House, which relies heavily on eggs as a core menu item, has been significantly impacted.
The chain serves a staggering 272 million eggs annually, far outpacing its hash browns and even waffles. Now, with limited supply and soaring costs, its decision to add the surcharge reflects the harsh reality facing restaurants nationwide.
Customers Feel the Pain of Price Hikes
By December, the average cost of a dozen large, grade-A eggs had surged to $4.15, a jump from $3.65 just a month prior. Waffle House relies on these large eggs for its menu staples, making the price surge unavoidable.
The USDA forecasts an additional 20% increase this year, meaning that the worst is likely still ahead for both customers and businesses.
The price spike is forcing consumers to rethink their breakfast orders and causing restaurants to reassess their menu strategies. Waffle House remains committed to monitoring the market and adjusting the surcharge as necessary, but with projections looking grim, relief may not come anytime soon.
Future Outlook: When Will Prices Settle?
Experts are warning that the tight supply of eggs will persist until farmers can restore their flocks without further virus outbreaks. The lingering effects of avian flu, combined with ongoing inflation, have created a perfect storm that continues to disrupt food supplies.
Until conditions improve, Waffle House customers can expect higher prices, and the broader restaurant industry may see similar moves as businesses fight to stay afloat amid rising costs. For now, breakfast lovers will need to shell out a bit more for their morning fix.
RELATED TOPICS: Food | Georgia
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