The Waffle House chain has instituted a 50-cent per egg surcharge to address higher costs, the company announced Monday.
The move comes in response to a shortage of eggs resulting from an outbreak of avian flu that has impacted major poultry producers in seven states, and has spiked prices.
Waffle House officials said in a statement that the egg surcharge would be a temporary solution, rather than increasing prices across the menu.
“As long as they are available, quality, fresh-cracked Grade A Large eggs will remain a key ingredient in many of our customers’ favorite meals,” the company said. “While we hope these price fluctuations will be short lived, we cannot predict how long this shortage will last.”
Restaurants across the country, both chains and independents, are grappling with the higher cost of shell eggs, in particular, and say they expect egg inflation to continue through 2025.
Rob Sterioti, vice president of operations for the 24-unit Famous Toastery brunch concept, based in Davidson, North Carolina, said they’ve been trying to ride out the increase in egg prices without having to raise menu prices.
“We’re also having shortage issues,” said Sterioti. “So far, the focus in January has been trying to make sure, working with suppliers, that we are able to have eggs in the restaurants. The prices we’re seeing now are up 150%, which is certainly not sustainable.
“Everything we’re hearing from our suppliers right now is that this is something we will be dealing with through most of 2025,” he added. “But we don’t want to make a snap decision and raise prices. That has a lot of long-term effects, and I think it’ll need more of a strategy.”
So this year, Famous Toastery is working on limited-time offers that might steer guests more toward dishes that use less eggs, like French toast or waffles.
About 75% of Famous Toastery locations are franchised, but franchisees are required to use the same supplier as corporate locations, he said. “We don’t want franchisees running out to anywhere else to get eggs.”
IHOP, which is almost entirely franchised, is leaving pricing decisions up to franchisees, a spokesperson said.
But the chain will continue to promote its IHOP House Faves menu, available Monday through Friday, for just $6 to $7 in some locations. The menu includes four items with made-to-order eggs.
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