Waffle House implements $0.50 egg surcharge amid bird flu crisis

Waffle House has introduced a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg at its over 2,000 locations in response to ongoing egg shortages caused by avian influenza outbreaks, specifically the H5N1 strain. The restaurant chain emphasized that this surcharge is a targeted measure rather than a general price hike across the menu, reflecting the difficult decisions faced by consumers and restaurants amid rising costs. The price of a dozen eggs has more than doubled since the summer of 2023, reaching nearly $4.15 in December 2024, with predictions from the USDA suggesting a further increase of up to 20% this year. The bird flu crisis has already resulted in the culling of over 145 million birds, significantly impacting the egg supply. Additionally, new cage-free egg laws in several states are contributing to supply chain strains and further price increases. Waffle House plans to monitor egg prices closely and adjust the surcharge as market conditions evolve.