Denny’s increasing egg prices as bird flu causes prices to soar in the US
Denny’s is the latest big name to increase the price of eggs on its menu due to the national egg shortage, with H5N1 decimating flocks.
Straight Arrow News
While some food chains have announced surcharges to adjust to a nationwide egg shortage, McDonald’s is vowing not to follow suit.
Michael Gonda, the fast food giant’s North American chief impact officer, said this week that there will be no surcharges in place for items that include eggs. Gonda added that the chain will offer Egg McMuffins for just $1 Sunday for orders made on the McDonald’s app.
“Unlike others making news recently, you definitely WON’T see McDonald’s USA issuing surcharges on eggs, which are 100% cage-free and sourced in the U.S,” Gonda wrote in a LinkedIn post Tuesday.
The promise comes after Denny’s unveiled a fluctuating temporary surcharge on items containing eggs amid the nationwide shortage driven by rising HPAI (bird flu) cases. The extra charge will vary per region as the pricing decision is “market-by-market, and restaurant-by-restaurant,” the diner told USA TODAY Tuesday.
“This situation is continuing to evolve, and we are working closely with our procurement team and our franchisees to make decisions that are right for the business while maintaining value for our guests,” according to Denny’s statement.
Waffle House introduces egg surcharge
Earlier this month, Waffle House unveiled a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg at locations to cope with pricing and availability issues brought on by the shortage. The decision went into effect on Feb. 3 and impacts around 2,100 U.S. locations, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.
“Consumers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions,” Waffle House said in a statement. “Rather than increasing prices across the menu, this is a temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices.”
Restaurant and gift store chain Cracker Barrel poked fun at Waffle House’s decision by promising not to charge customers extra for eggs.
“At Cracker Barrel, country hospitality is as important to us as a hearty breakfast – and that means not charging extra for eggs,” the company told USA TODAY on Feb. 6. “There’s nothing hospitable about that.”
Contributing: Amaris Encinas and Gabe Hauari
