Waffle House adds egg surcharge, citing bird flu-fueled shortage

• Avian influenza has affected at least 22.7 million birds in the last 30 days, according to USDA data.

The big picture: The Georgia-based company, which has about 2,100 locations nationwide, is believed to be the first major restaurant chain to add an egg surcharge.

• Waffle House said in a news release that the temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg began Monday.
• "Rather than increasing prices across the menu, this is a temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices," the company said.

What they're saying: "The continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (Bird Flu) has caused a dramatic increase in egg prices," Waffle House said in a statement. "Consumers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions."

• "As long as they are available, quality, fresh-cracked, Grade A Large eggs will remain a key ingredient in many of our customers favorite meal," the company said.

What's next: Egg prices are expected to go up by 20% this year, according to the USDA.

• A timeframe for Waffle House's egg surcharge is unknown.
• "While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived we cannot predict how long this shortage will last," the company said.

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