Waffle House Ushers in Big Pricing Change Leaving Fans Scrambling
With egg prices continuing to climb, Waffle House is adding a temporary surcharge on menu items.
According to signs posted at their restaurants, the popular chain is adding a 50-cent charge per egg because of the “nationwide rise in cost of eggs,” as CNN reported.
“The continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (bird flu) has caused a dramatic increase in egg prices,” Waffle House said in a statement to the outlet. “Customers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions.”
The Georgia-based chain is “continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.”
Due to a resurgence of bird flu, approximately 17 million egg-laying hens were slaughtered in November and December 2024—close to half of all birds killed by the virus last year, per the USDA.
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On X, Waffle House fans reacted to the news.
"The lady at Waffle House said they’ve been cursed out several times this morning about the 50 cent per egg surcharge lol.. like it’s their fault," wrote one person.
"I suspect a Japanese chain would just eat the increased cost of the eggs. This surcharge is pretty abusive," complained someone else, prompting another commenter to ask, "It's abusive to charge customers more when costs of goods increase? Waffle House serves ~275 million eggs/year, and the cost of eggs has doubled recently. That could be tens of millions of dollars in reduced revenue due to egg costs. Businesses have to remain profitable."
"The Waffle House is now charging a $.50 tariff per egg. Wondering what other restaurant chain will do the same. Doing nothing to address the bird flu, thanks Trump!" another X user chimed in.
"We do have a national emergency. Waffle House is raising their price 50 cent per egg. Going to cost you more to sober up at 2 am to drive home:)" somebody joked.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs rose to $4.15 in December from $3.65 in November.
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