SPOKANE, Wash. – Popular breakfast businesses report that the rising costs of eggs are cutting into their bottom line.
“[These] 30 eggs, because we use jumbo eggs here, are now $23.70 for 30 eggs,” Robin Bernhart, a co-owner of Frank’s Diner, said.
Bernhart told NonStop Local that prices are only getting higher and higher.
“The lowest price that we have paid this year for eggs is 19 cents a piece for eggs. So, 19 cents per each egg, versus, right now, we’re paying 79 cents per egg,” Bernhart said.
They estimate they serve 19,000-20,000 eggs/month between their two locations.
According to national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs was $3.65 in November. That’s up from $3.37 in October.
The Consumer Price Index shows a roughly 45% price increase in eggs from January to November 2024.
The rising costs are largely caused by surging cases of avian flu. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will likely take months to replace flocks, which will cause egg prices to continue to rise.
Some restaurants in the U.S. report that they’ve added egg “surcharges” to customers’ bills to help offset the rising costs.
Frank’s Diner told NonStop Local that is not on the table right now.
“We never pass those charges onto our guests…If we don’t get relief… then… maybe we look at menu prices for it. But, at this time, we’re just going to ride it out. And, continue to let it eat into our bottom line,” Bernhart said.
Uncle Rusty’s Diner and Molly’s Family Restaurant also told NonStop Local that they have also experienced the effects of rising egg prices, but do not plan to raise prices for customers.
