A BELOVED brand has ended its controversial 50 cent surcharge on a popular breakfast staple.
The chain has followed Waffle House by removing the added fee, but some huge companies still use surcharges.
Following widespread egg shortages earlier this year, some restaurants began charging extra for dishes made with them.
The shortage led to a price spike on the ones remaining, and chains like Denny’s passed on the added cost to diners.
But now, Denny’s has taken the decision to remove the egg surcharge, following the same move by Waffle House a few weeks before.
The price of the egg surcharge varied on Denny’s locations, and officially came to an end on June 2.
Waffle House had imposed a $0.50 surcharge across all of its 1,900 locations, but removed this on May 21.
BIRD FLU RISE
In the first few months of this year, a bird flu outbreak had a catastrophic impact on egg production.
A report published by the USDA projected that egg prices would increased by 41.1% this year as a result.
The USDA said at the time of the report: “Retail egg prices continue to experience volatile month-to-month changes due to an outbreak of HPAI that began in 2022.
“HPAI contributes to elevated egg prices by reducing egg-layer flocks and egg production.”
And it was consumers that felt the weight of this the most, with reports of cartons priced at over $8 at Walmart, for example.
It resulted in egg shortages and purchase limits at many major retailers.
Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sam‘s Club and BJ’s all imposed purchase limits on eggs.
STARBUCKS SURCHARGE
Severe economic turmoil has led to other companies impose surcharges on customers.
From June 24, Starbucks began charging an additional $0.80 for those who purchase unflavored beverages and want to add sauce or syrup combinations.
What to know about the bird flu
The H5N1 strain of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus, also known as the bird flu, infected dozens of humans in 2024.
As of December 26, 2024, there have been 65 confirmed total reports of humans with the bird flu.
People have been exposed to the virus in the following states:
- California
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington Wisconsin
39 people were exposed to the virus via cattle, while 23 exposures were due to poultry farms and culling operations.
One person was exposed to the virus due to his backyard flock, while the sources of two other cases were unknown.
Source: CDC
Another 80-cent surcharge was put in place for additional chai concentrate added to any drink.
There’s also a 50-cent charge for a scoop of dried fruit and a $1 charge for a scoop of matcha powder in non-matcha beverages.
The price updates instantly as the customer modifies their order to add the extra.
Starbucks had been previously varying fees for additions and substitutions.
This change was made at the start of the month to simplify the process of ordering.
The surcharges are also thought to make the process more consistent for customers who want to order these specific drink variations.
Following widespread egg shortages earlier this year, some restaurants began charging extra for dishes made with them[/caption]
