Local Tucson breakfast spots are grappling with the rising cost of eggs due to a national shortage. Some restaurants, like The Hungry Fox and Ghini's French Caffe, have implemented temporary surcharges on egg dishes, while others, such as Baja Cafe, have raised menu prices across the board. The avian flu outbreak has severely impacted the egg supply, leading to a significant increase in egg prices.
The ongoing national egg shortage is impacting businesses across the United States, from prominent chains like Waffle House to smaller, independent restaurants. In Tucson , Arizona, local breakfast spots are grappling with the consequences, making difficult decisions to stay afloat. The Hungry Fox, a Tucson institution serving the community for 60 years, has implemented an egg surcharge for the first time in its history due to the rising cost of eggs.
Owners Cassie and Billy Rahn placed notices on every table and at the front door informing customers of the surcharge. While acknowledging the impact on customers, particularly those on fixed incomes, Cassie Rahn explained the necessity of the surcharge to cover their increasing cost of goods. When the Rahns took over The Hungry Fox in 2023, they were paying around $60 per case of eggs, which typically contains 15 dozen. Now, due to the shortage, prices have skyrocketed to approximately $127 per case, with no immediate relief in sight, according to their distributors. Billy Rahn added that they were informed the situation might start improving by October or November of this year, and the surcharge would be removed once prices stabilize. This shortage stems from the devastating impact of avian flu, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 20 million egg-laying chickens in the U.S. last quarter, marking the most significant disruption to the egg supply since the outbreak began in 2022. The Rahns are not alone in facing these challenges. Ghini's French Caffe announced a temporary surcharge on egg dishes on Facebook, and Baja Cafe, another local restaurant known for its scratch cooking, increased menu prices by a dollar to accommodate the rising cost of eggs. Owner Gerard Meurer emphasized the essential role eggs play in their dishes, stating that approximately 30% of their scratch-cooked items contain eggs, and 90% of their dishes either include eggs as an ingredient or are served with them. He expressed that the current food costs for their scratch kitchen have surpassed the cost of purchasing processed ingredients, leading them to adopt protective measures to ensure the business's survival. Despite the surcharge, the Rahns have received understanding from their loyal customers, who they consider family. Regular customer Jim Austin believes the surcharge is reasonable considering the current egg prices. The Rahns remain committed to maintaining their reputation for comfort food and creating a welcoming atmosphere for their patrons. For now, that comfort comes at an extra dollar added to dishes containing eggs.
EGGS SHORTAGE RESTAURANTS TUCSON FOOD COSTS AVIAN FLU
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