TEXAS, USA — Across the nation, shoppers may notice a significant absence on grocery store shelves: cartons of eggs.
For those fortunate enough to find them, the prices are noticeably higher than just a week or two ago. This isn't happening without reason.
Kyle Citrano, owner of George's Restaurant and Bar #2 in Central Texas, told 6 News about some of the challenges faced by local businesses.
"We've seen our prices on eggs fluctuate all the way from around $2.43 a dozen to upwards of $4.30 a dozen for the year," he stated, emphasizing the volatility in egg pricing.
Megg's Cafe in Temple reported a sharp overnight increase in egg costs from around $0.19 to $0.35.
Experts say the surge is attributed to supply and demand issues exacerbated by recent outbreaks of avian flu. When chicken producers lose their stock due to disease, the reduced supply forces them to raise prices, impacting restaurants significantly.
While George's has managed to navigate these challenges, Citrano acknowledges that smaller businesses, particularly those focused on breakfast offerings, may face greater difficulties.
He advises staying vigilant about costs and leveraging supplier relationships to forecast and manage expenses effectively.
Despite these challenges, businesses like George's remain committed to their mission of customer satisfaction.
"The customer wants their eggs cooked the right way and consistent service," Citrano said. "We're here to make people have a great experience. It's for us to deal with the headaches and the problems in the background."
"We don't raise prices," Megg's Cafe told 6 News. "We just take the hit."
The Consumer Price Index reports that egg prices in October were up more than 30% from last year. The combination of avian flu outbreaks and the holiday season has intensified the problem, forcing businesses to reconsider purchasing strategies and menu pricing. Despite these hurdles, George's and Megg's Cafe aim to keep prices low while ensuring customer satisfaction remains paramount.
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