SPOKANE, Wash. — Local restaurants are feeling the effects of avian influenza as the virus continues to disrupt the nation’s egg supply, leading to shortages and rising costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 23 million birds were infected with bird flu in January alone. The outbreak has significantly impacted egg production, forcing businesses to adapt to the increasing costs.
Waffle House, a major restaurant chain with more than 2,000 locations, has implemented a 50-cent surcharge per egg to offset expenses.
Small, independent restaurants are also struggling to keep up. Wall Street Diner, a North Spokane staple since 1949, is among those feeling the strain.
“Prices, in the last two months, have gone up 200 to 400 percent. So, we’re paying four times as much for an egg as we normally would,” said Jessica Pachin, the diner’s manager.
Eggs were already the restaurant’s biggest expense, with costs initially rising when Washington’s cage-free egg law took effect last year. Now, with bird flu driving prices even higher, businesses like Wall Street Diner may have no choice but to raise menu prices.
While some customers may be deterred by potential price hikes, others remain loyal. Longtime customer Don Simpson, who has been eating omelets at the diner for decades, says he’s willing to pay extra.
“’Ma and pa’ places like this, yeah. If they gotta pay the extra, we should pay the extra,” Simpson said.
Pachin echoed that sentiment, encouraging customers to support local businesses.
“Just support local, as much as you can,” she said.
According to food economist David Ortega, egg prices will likely remain high until bird flu cases decline—a process that could take several months.
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