Waffle House has introduced a temporary 50-cent surcharge per egg due to rising egg prices driven by a nationwide supply shortage. Signs posted in the Georgia-based restaurant chain’s locations cite the ongoing price surge, attributed to an aggressive strain of avian influenza, as the reason for the additional charge.
“The continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) has led to a dramatic increase in egg prices,” Waffle House stated in a release to WANF-TV. “Customers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions.”
The chain, which operates approximately 2,100 locations across the United States, emphasized that it is closely monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.
Avian Flu’s Impact on Egg Supply
The current wave of avian flu has significantly disrupted egg production since its onset in early 2022. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, more than 108 million birds have been affected, including 75 million egg-laying hens that were culled to prevent the spread of the disease.
The outbreak has intensified in recent months, with the USDA reporting that 17 million egg-laying hens were lost in November and December alone—nearly half of all birds impacted by the virus in 2024.
Rising Egg Prices and Future Projections
As a result of the supply strain, the cost of eggs continues to climb. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average price for a dozen large, grade-A eggs rose from $3.65 in November to $4.15 in December. The USDA projects that prices will increase by an additional 20% in 2024.
Industry experts caution that relief may not come soon. “Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re in this for a while,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “Until we have time without a detection, unfortunately, this very, very tight egg supply is going to continue.”
Waffle House joins a growing list of businesses adjusting to rising food costs, as egg shortages continue to impact restaurants, grocers, and consumers nationwide.
