Waffle House Introduces Egg Surcharge Amid Bird Flu Crisis
In response to the most severe bird flu outbreak in a decade, Waffle House is implementing a 50-cent surcharge per egg. The restaurant chain, known for its all-day breakfast offerings, is grappling with increased costs due to the egg shortage.
The avian influenza has compelled farmers to cull millions of chickens monthly, resulting in a significant rise in U.S. egg prices. This surge has led to prices more than doubling since the summer of 2023, with the average cost of a dozen eggs reaching $4.15 in December. Although this figure falls short of the $4.82 peak two years ago, the Agriculture Department forecasts a further 20% increase in egg prices this year.
Image: Isabella Volmert/AP
Waffle House, which operates around the clock, announced the surcharge applies to all menu items. As of Tuesday, a two-egg breakfast with toast and a side was priced at $7.75. “While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived, we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” the company stated.
The eatery, headquartered in Georgia with over 1,900 locations across 25 states, continues to monitor egg prices and plans to adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions improve.
The H5N1 virus has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and other animals. Its increased prevalence in the environment heightens the likelihood of human exposure, though cases remain rare. The first U.S. human fatality from bird flu was reported in Louisiana last month, with 67 confirmed infections in humans since 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health authorities advise individuals who come into contact with sick or dead birds to use precautions, such as wearing respiratory and eye protection and gloves while handling poultry.
In a related incident, Pete & Gerry’s Organics reported the theft of 100,000 eggs from its distribution trailer in Antrim Township, Pennsylvania. The eggs, valued at approximately $40,000, were stolen on Saturday night, and the Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating the matter.
