Philadelphia breakfast chain Green Eggs Cafe owner Stephen Slaughter says 90% of menu items rely on eggs, making him feel the pinch with $8 per dozen egg price hike. The US Department of Agriculture reports nearly double egg prices since December due to avian influenza and inflation.
Industry experts say breakfast restaurants are vulnerable to price shocks due to high-volume sales and loyal customers relying on cheap ingredients. With a median 19% price increase for eggs, coffee, sausage, bacon, and orange juice, companies risk alienating customers already feeling the squeeze from inflation.
Green Eggs Cafe increased prices last year, but Slaughter is now facing difficult decisions. “It’s cutting into our margins pretty significantly,” he said. Other restaurants, like Clinton St Baking Co and Golden Diner, are adapting by adding new menu items or adjusting prices to offset costs. Some owners, however, acknowledge the challenges in balancing profitability with customer loyalty.
Restaurants like Green Eggs Cafe, Clinton St Baking Co, and Golden Diner face an uncertain future as egg prices continue to rise and inflation takes a toll on their bottom line. With no room for markup, they risk losing customers who are already feeling squeezed by economic changes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/14/restaurants-inflation-egg-prices