OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Waffle House diners in Ocala may notice a small but significant addition to their breakfast bills—a 50-cent surcharge on eggs. The extra charge comes as restaurants nationwide grapple with soaring egg prices due to an ongoing avian flu outbreak and rising demand for breakfast foods.

The company shared with the Associated Press that the egg shortage has led to a significant rise in its costs.

What they’re saying: “While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived, we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” Waffle House officials tell the AP.

The cost of eggs has skyrocketed in recent months, hitting an average price of $4.95 per dozen in January, a record high in the U.S. Wholesale prices have surged even more, reaching $7.34 per dozen, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The current avian flu outbreak has resulted in nearly 159 million poultry losses, severely disrupting egg production.

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Waffle House, known for its 24/7 service and no-frills breakfast staples, has opted for the surcharge as a temporary measure to offset the impact of rising costs. Other breakfast-centric chains in Ocala, including First Watch and Eggs Up Grill, are facing similar challenges but have resisted implementing surcharges thus far, while Denny’s announced it would be adding a surcharge, but the pricing decision is “market-by-market, and restaurant-by-restaurant due to the regional impacts of the egg shortage.”

The growing demand for eggs has added pressure on an already strained market. Breakfast traffic at U.S. restaurants has seen the highest increase since 2019, with morning meals now accounting for 21% of total restaurant visits in 2024, according to market research firm Circana. Egg-based dishes remain a staple, with 70% of breakfast sandwiches on U.S. menus containing eggs.

While some restaurants explore cost-saving alternatives such as egg substitutes or adjusted portion sizes, Waffle House customers in Ocala will have to shell out a little extra for their morning favorites. Despite the price hike, demand for eggs remains strong, underscoring their enduring role in American breakfasts.

As supply chain issues persist, industry leaders continue to monitor egg availability and pricing trends. For now, Ocala patrons can expect to see the surcharge remain in place until market conditions stabilize.

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