Denny's Adds Egg Surcharge Amid Nationwide Shortage

Denny's joins the growing list of restaurant chains implementing surcharges for menu items containing eggs, amid a nationwide shortage that has caused prices to soar. The announcement comes as U.S. egg prices hit record highs, driven by the ongoing avian flu outbreak affecting poultry farms across the country.

Egg Shortage Impacts Menu Prices

In a statement, Denny's emphasized that individual restaurants would determine the surcharge amount, citing the "fluid situation" surrounding egg prices. The company declined to provide specific pricing examples but assured customers of their commitment to offering delicious meals at reasonable values.

"Denny's remains committed to providing our guests with delicious meals they love at the value they expect," the statement read. "We do our best to plan ahead with our vendors on items like eggs to minimize the impact market volatility has on our costs and menu pricing."

Surcharges Across the Industry

Denny's follows in the footsteps of Waffle House, another major food purveyor, in announcing egg surcharges. Recent weeks have also seen numerous local restaurants adding similar surcharges to their menus. According to USDA data, a dozen eggs now average over $7, marking a fresh all-time high and a 10% increase in just the past week.

Avian Flu Continues to Spread

The surge in egg prices is attributed to the persistent spread of avian flu on many of the nation's poultry farms. The outbreak has led to a significant reduction in egg supply, contributing to the shortage and subsequent price hikes.

As the situation evolves, consumers can expect continued adjustments to menu prices across various restaurants as they navigate the challenges posed by the nationwide egg shortage.