Rising Cost of Eggs: What Restaurant Operators Can Do About It?

Egg prices have been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years, causing headaches for restaurant operators who rely on them for everything from breakfast menus to baked goods. Supply chain disruptions, avian flu outbreaks, and inflation have all contributed to price volatility, making it harder for restaurants to maintain predictable food costs. But while the cost of eggs may be out of your control, how you adapt to it isn’t.

Why Are Egg Prices So High?

Several factors have driven up egg prices in recent years:
✅ Avian flu outbreaks have led to massive losses in poultry populations, reducing supply.
✅ Feed and transportation costs have increased, driving up production expenses.
✅ High demand for eggs in both grocery stores and foodservice has kept prices elevated.

How Can Restaurant Operators Adapt?

1. Diversify Your Menu
   • Look for alternative ingredients where possible—consider plant-based egg substitutes in baking or switching up breakfast offerings to rely less on eggs.
   • Highlight dishes that don’t rely on eggs as a main ingredient to balance your food costs.
2. Optimize Portion Sizes
   • Reduce egg portions where possible while maintaining customer satisfaction.
   • Offer dishes with eggs as an add-on rather than a default ingredient.
3. Buy Smarter
   • Work with suppliers to negotiate better bulk pricing.
   • Consider local farms or direct purchasing to cut out middlemen and reduce costs.
   • Monitor wholesale and market trends to buy at the right time.
   • Surprisingly, big-box retailers like Walmart sometimes offer lower egg prices than restaurant suppliers, so keeping an eye on multiple sources can help save costs.
4. Reduce Waste
   • Track egg usage closely to avoid overordering.
   • Train kitchen staff on proper handling and storage to minimize spoilage.
5. Adjust Pricing Strategically
   • If necessary, incrementally adjust menu prices on egg-heavy dishes rather than across the board.
   • Bundle higher-cost egg dishes with lower-cost sides to offset expenses.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

While rising egg prices are frustrating, they also offer a chance to innovate. Restaurants that adjust their menus, streamline operations, and explore new supplier relationships will be better positioned to weather future price fluctuations. By being proactive, you can maintain profitability without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction.