Eggflation Hits Waffle House Amid 50-Cent Surcharge: Reports

GEORGIA — It appears bird flu and eggflation have hit Waffle House, a popular Georgia-based 24/7 restaurant chain that is reportedly adding a 50-cent surcharge to every egg sold at its eateries.

With headquarters in Norcross, Waffle House is implementing the new measure due to the rise in avian flu, or bird flu, CNN reported.

“The continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (bird flu) has caused a dramatic increase in egg prices,” Waffle House told CNN. “Customers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions.”

The price increase on Waffle House menus takes effect this week, the Associated Press reported. Though the nationwide chain serves lunch and dinner, it is notably known for its breakfast cuisine.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture, in January, issued a ban on the sale of poultry through auction markets, flea markets or other livestock markets, shows, swaps, meet-ups and exhibitions involving live birds.

The suspension was put into place after at least three cases of bird flu were detected in a backyard flock and two commercial flocks in Georgia. It is not known when the suspension will be lifted.

RELATED:

• Bird Flu Detected In Metro ATL Backyard Flock
• Some Poultry Sales Banned After 3rd Case Of GA Bird Flu
• ‘Eggflation’: Why Are Eggs So Expensive In GA, When Will Cost Go Down?

The rising cost of eggs has had national impacts, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicting a 20 percent price influx by the end of 2025 due to bird flu resurgence.

In January, Grade A large eggs averaged about $4.17 a dozen at Walmart stores and $4.19 a dozen at Target stores in Georgia. Kroger charged $3.49 a dozen for the same eggs.

As of mid-Tuesday afternoon, a tw0-egg breakfast with toast and jelly, and either grits or hash browns, was $7.75 in metro Atlanta. Adding a side of meat would raise the price to $11.85.

The popular steak and eggs dish was $13.60, according to the online menu.

More than 270 million eggs have been sold at Waffle House, according to restaurant stats.

Waffle House is accepting reservations for Valentine's Day. See a list of locations here.