Denny’s and Waffle House eliminate egg surcharges as egg prices stabilize.

In a significant move indicative of changing market conditions, the American diner chains Denny’s and Waffle House have decided to eliminate the egg surcharges they introduced earlier this year due to a substantial increase in egg prices. These surcharges were initially implemented in response to a nationwide egg supply crisis exacerbated by a spike in avian influenza during the first quarter of 2025.

Denny’s announced the removal of its egg surcharge, affectionately termed a “shell-ved” surcharge, in late May, while Waffle House followed suit by lifting its 50-cent surcharge in early June. The latter chain expressed gratitude to its customers via social media, stating that the surcharge was no longer applicable as of June 2.

The surcharges were a direct response to soaring egg prices which affected numerous restaurants across the United States. In February, Waffle House had implemented the surcharge for its almost 1,900 locations in anticipation of an ongoing egg shortage that was out of their control. At the time, the chain acknowledged the uncertainty of the duration of this scarcity, while Denny’s took similar measures shortly thereafter, though the surcharge varied by restaurant location.

This surge in egg prices earlier this year was largely attributed to a significant reduction in the nation’s egg-laying hen population due to highly pathogenic avian influenza. This veterinary crisis saw more than 30 million hens culled in an effort to curb the spread of the disease. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs reached an unprecedented high of .23 in March, putting a strain on both consumers and businesses alike.

However, following the decline in avian flu cases and the subsequent increase in egg imports, prices began to stabilize. By May, the average price for a dozen eggs decreased to .55, and as of July 3, 2025, it has fallen further to an average of approximately .56 nationwide.

As Denny’s and Waffle House readjust their pricing strategies in light of these developments, customers can enjoy their breakfast favorites without the added burden of surcharges. This adjustment reflects a broader trend in the food service industry as it continues to adapt to the fluctuating costs of ingredients in an uncertain economic climate.