By Blake Jackson
Egg prices have surged in Wisconsin, driven by supply shortages caused by bird flu outbreaks. Diners, like Franks Diner in Kenosha, are feeling the pinch as they go through nearly 1,500 eggs every weekend. With prices for eggs fluctuating drastically, Julie Rittmiller, co-owner of Franks Diner, shared how their recent order of 180 eggs cost them $111.50—up from $35.99 in October. This increase forced them to add a $2 surcharge to all dishes containing eggs.
In February, a dozen eggs reached $5.90, the highest price since the 1980s. While the price has since dropped to around $3 by late March, Rittmiller expects the cost to rise again with the upcoming Easter holiday. The surge in demand for dyed eggs often causes price hikes during this period.
The shortage has also led to the search for substitutes, but Rittmiller emphasized the quality difference, saying pre-mixed eggs simply don't compare to fresh ones cracked in front of customers.
Meanwhile, local farms like Prairie Bluff Farm in Mount Horeb, run by Steve Albert, are also feeling the strain. Albert’s farm typically operates with 1,500 hens, but he is considering keeping the current flock longer and adding a new one to meet demand. The high demand is overwhelming, especially with the ongoing impact of H5N1 Avian Influenza. Albert noted that smaller farms like his could help prevent the supply chain disruptions caused by disease outbreaks.
As egg prices continue to fluctuate, Rittmiller advises other restaurants to communicate openly with customers about price hikes, building trust to maintain support during tough times.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry