Egg Price Surge Hits Waffle House Customers
Waffle House, the popular Georgia-based restaurant chain, has announced a temporary surcharge on eggs due to skyrocketing prices caused by an ongoing avian flu outbreak. Signs posted at Waffle House locations reveal that a 50-cent surcharge per egg has been implemented in response to the “nationwide rise in cost of eggs.” The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has severely impacted egg supply across the country, leading to higher costs with no immediate relief in sight.
A statement from Waffle House confirmed the move, attributing it to the “dramatic increase in egg prices” and emphasizing the challenges it presents for both customers and businesses. The chain, which operates approximately 2,100 locations, assured customers that it is “continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.” The rising cost of eggs has affected breakfast-focused restaurants particularly hard, as eggs are a staple item for many diners.
Impact on Restaurants and the Food Industry
Eggs are Waffle House’s most-ordered menu item, with an annual consumption of 272 million eggs—far surpassing hash browns (153 million) and waffles (124 million), according to company data. The price increase has put breakfast-centric establishments under significant financial strain. The National Restaurant Association has reported that egg prices have surged nearly 40% in the past year, creating difficulties for restaurant operators who are now forced to reassess their pricing strategies.
Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, explained that businesses have limited options when dealing with such price hikes. “When shortages like this happen, operators work closely with their food suppliers to determine how it will impact them,” he said. Many restaurants are now exploring alternatives such as menu adjustments or price increases to offset rising costs.
Avian Flu and Future Egg Price Trends
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has had a devastating impact on poultry farms since January 2022, leading to the slaughter of 108 million birds, including 75 million egg-laying hens, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The situation worsened in late 2024, with a resurgence of the virus causing the culling of approximately 17 million egg-laying hens in November and December alone—nearly half of all birds lost to the disease that year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average price of a dozen large grade-A eggs, which Waffle House uses, rose to $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November. The USDA has projected that egg prices could climb another 20% in 2025, exacerbating concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board, warned that the egg supply crisis is far from over. “Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re in this for a while,” she stated. “Until we have time without a detection, unfortunately, this very, very tight egg supply is going to continue.”
