Waffle House has implemented a 50-cent surcharge on all egg-based dishes across its over 2,000 locations due to skyrocketing egg prices, a consequence of the bird flu's impact on poultry. The surcharge, effective from Monday, addresses the significant disruption caused by the highly contagious virus, which has led to the loss or culling of over 13 million hens since December, as reported by the Agriculture Department.
The bird flu outbreak is the primary driver behind the egg price surge, further intensified by high consumer demand during the holiday season. Over the past year, the cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. has increased by 50%, with a notable price escalation post-November, coinciding with Donald Trump's election, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Waffle House stated that the surcharge is a "temporary targeted measure" in response to the egg price hikes and will be reevaluated based on market conditions. This adjustment forces both consumers and restaurants to reassess their choices amid the ongoing economic strain.