If you’re heading to Waffle House for your usual sunny-side-up or scrambled eggs, be prepared to spend a little extra. The popular Georgia-based breakfast chain, known for its cozy diners and around-the-clock service, recently introduced a 50-cent surcharge on every egg it sells. Company representatives say this “temporary targeted surcharge” is their way of coping with soaring egg prices without hiking up the cost of the entire menu.
With nearly 2,000 locations across 25 states, Waffle House has a sizable customer base that’s feeling the pinch of rising food costs. The chain says it began applying the surcharge on February 3, and whether this extra charge sticks around depends on the fluctuating cost of eggs. According to its statement, Waffle House is “continuously monitoring egg prices” and will “adjust or remove the surcharge” once market conditions improve. Despite the added fee, the company assures diners it will continue using “quality, fresh-cracked Grade A large eggs” in its recipes.
Why Egg Prices Are Still Climbing
The reason behind ballooning egg costs can be traced to an outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, which has caused major disruptions in U.S. poultry flocks. As of January 2025, more than 14 million birds from commercial flocks nationwide have been lost, leading to what experts call “record or near-record” highs in egg prices. In December, a dozen Grade A large eggs averaged $4.15, and some local stores reported prices as high as $12 per dozen.
This surge has prompted some grocery retailers to place purchase limits on eggs, capping the number of cartons any one customer can buy. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that wholesale egg prices are continuing to rise, fueling concerns about how long consumers will be shelling out more for their breakfast staples.
What Makes Avian Flu So Destructive?
Avian influenza spreads easily among birds, meaning if one bird contracts the flu, the entire flock is typically culled to prevent further spread. According to Michael Swanson, a Wells Fargo economist who spoke on TODAY in 2023, “Once one bird gets the flu, they all get taken out in short order.” Since the current outbreak began in 2022, it has affected more than 135 million birds around the world, impacting not just poultry but also other animals such as cows and cats.
In some regions, governments have taken emergency measures to contain the virus. California Governor Gavin Newsom, for example, declared a state of emergency to speed up the state’s response when avian flu cases were detected in dairy cows.
Can Humans Contract Bird Flu?
Although it’s rare, humans can contract certain strains of bird flu. One case in Louisiana involved a patient with underlying health conditions who died after coming into contact with a “non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds,” according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Still, experts say the risk of getting bird flu from eating store-bought or restaurant-served eggs is low, thanks to stringent testing and safety inspections. To further reduce any risk, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends cooking eggs thoroughly and practicing good kitchen hygiene to avoid cross-contamination.
What This Means for Diners
For now, Waffle House customers will pay an extra 50 cents per egg during their visits, reflecting the broader challenges facing the egg market. Even as some shoppers adjust their buying habits or skip egg purchases altogether, others remain hopeful that prices will return to normal soon. In the meantime, if you’re planning a meal at Waffle House, you may want to factor in the slight increase—or consider trying one of their classic waffle plates, hash browns, or other breakfast favorites until egg prices settle down.
Ultimately, how long this egg surcharge remains in place hinges on external market forces. With avian flu still lingering and egg supplies potentially continuing to fluctuate, many are keeping a close eye on grocery aisles and restaurant menus alike. Until then, egg enthusiasts might have to crack open their wallets just a bit more to enjoy the classic flavors they’ve come to love.