Egg prices have skyrocketed across the U.S., hitting consumers and businesses alike. Recent reports show that the national average for a dozen eggs has reached $4.15, meaning a single retail egg now costs just under $1. Some analysts warn that prices could rise another 20% this year, forcing retailers like Trader Joe’s to limit purchases to one carton per customer per day.

What’s Driving the Price Surge?

The biggest factor behind the egg price crisis is the avian influenza outbreak, which has devastated poultry farms. Millions of hens have been culled to prevent further spread, severely impacting supply. Additionally, inflation and increased production costs—such as feed, transportation, and labor—continue to drive up prices.

The Impact on Restaurants—Especially Breakfast Spots

While consumers are feeling the pinch at grocery stores, restaurants—especially diners, cafés, and breakfast joints—are struggling even more. Egg-heavy establishments, which rely on affordable eggs to maintain profit margins, are now facing steep operational costs.

Consider the cost of making an omelet in a restaurant today:

A three-egg omelet now requires $3 worth of eggs alone.
Add cheese, vegetables, and protein, and the total food cost can easily exceed $5 per omelet—before even factoring in labor, rent, and other expenses.
Given standard restaurant pricing formulas, this means a breakfast omelet might need to be priced at $15 or more just to remain profitable.

Restaurants Are Scrambling for Solutions

Faced with these rising costs, many restaurants are:

Raising menu prices, forcing customers to absorb the cost.
Shrinking portion sizes or using egg substitutes.
Introducing "egg surcharges"—similar to what Waffle House has implemented.
Rethinking their menus by featuring alternative breakfast options.

Will Prices Drop Anytime Soon?

Experts predict that egg prices may stay elevated well into 2026, as poultry farmers struggle to replenish flocks while still battling outbreaks. Some consumers are even turning to raising backyard chickens as a way to cut grocery costs.

Meanwhile, for restaurants and diners that rely on eggs as a menu staple, there’s no easy fix—just a difficult balancing act between keeping customers happy and staying in business.

If the price of eggs keeps climbing, will you still pay for your favorite breakfast? Let us know in the comments! 🍳🥚 #EggCrisis #RisingFoodCosts #RestaurantStruggles

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