Waffle House Introduces 50-Cent Fee for Each Egg Ordered
The Waffle House, a beloved restaurant chain recognized for its round-the-clock service, hearty uncomplicated meals, and its signature yellow and black signage welcoming diners throughout the American South, has introduced a 50-cent surcharge on every egg sold. This decision comes as a result of the rising egg prices prompted by bird flu outbreaks.
The new charge commenced on Monday; however, the company clarified that this surcharge is not intended to be a permanent measure.
“While we are optimistic that these price variations will be temporary, we cannot foresee the duration of this shortage,” Waffle House stated in a release on Tuesday.
The chain remains vigilant with respect to egg prices and plans to modify or rescind the surcharge as market conditions permit.
Wholesale egg prices in the U.S. soared to a record high in December 2024, as indicated by data from the commodity analysis firm Expana, with a dozen eggs priced at $5.57 in the Midwest and $8.85 in California.
The primary culprit contributing to the soaring egg prices are widespread bird flu outbreaks affecting chicken populations nationwide. Recent U.S. Department of Agriculture data reveals that over 20 million chickens were culled in the last quarter alone, marking the highest figures since the onset of the outbreak in 2022.
In another report, Pete & Gerry’s Organics faced a challenge when 100,000 of their eggs were stolen from a distribution trailer in Antrim Township, Pennsylvania, according to officials from the Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities are currently investigating the theft, which amounts to approximately $40,000 in losses.
Contributions to this report were made by Reuters and The Associated Press.