San Antonio Restaurants Face Egg Price Crunch Amid Supply Crisis

News Summary

San Antonio restaurants are feeling the pressure of rising egg prices due to a national supply shortage linked to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Many local establishments have introduced surcharges on egg-based items to cope with inflated costs. With the average price of a dozen eggs reaching around $4.95, restaurant owners are grappling with increased expenses that could lead to further price adjustments. The situation highlights a broader crisis affecting the food industry as the egg supply struggles to recover.

San Antonio Restaurants Face Egg Price Crunch Amid Supply Crisis

San Antonio is feeling the heat from a significant rise in egg prices, and local restaurants are responding by implementing surcharges. This sudden hike in prices is largely due to a national supply shortage that has been linked to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which has already affected more than 162 million birds across the country.

Restaurant Surcharges on the Menu

Jim’s Restaurants, a popular chain with a location on Blanco Road at Loop 1604, has introduced a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg that can be seen across their menu. It’s a decision not taken lightly but necessary to manage the escalating costs of sourcing eggs.

Tia’s Taco Hut, located on North St. Mary’s, is also stepping up to the plate. They are adding a 30-cent surcharge to their egg tacos, giving customers a small heads-up about the rising costs of ingredients. Similarly, Taco Palenque joined the fray with their own surcharge on egg plates starting February 10.

The Bigger Picture: Egg Supply Crisis

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported alarming outbreaks of HPAI, which have caused entire flocks to be destroyed. These ongoing issues are making it increasingly challenging for egg supply to recover. Estimates suggest that it could take up to five months for egg supplies to return to normal—assuming no further outbreaks disrupt production.

Prices Climbing Faster Than a Chicken Can Run

$4.95, the highest price seen in two years. Grocery prices vary, with current prices at local stores like H-E-B reaching as high as $5.68 for a dozen. Shoppers can currently find a dozen Hill Country Fare large white eggs priced at $5.46 and extra-large H-E-B cage-free eggs at $5.88.

This spike isn’t just a blip on the radar for restaurants; it’s a crisis that’s affecting every aspect of the food industry. Benny Costello, the proprietor of Tia’s Taco Hut, has seen his cost per case of eggs leap from $38 to $112, translating to a significant $17,000 weekly increase for his business due to a staggering 300% rise in prices.

Meanwhile, Rose Leinen, the owner of Taco House, reported similar challenges. In just one month, the cost of egg cases at her establishment jumped from $82 to $119.50. Whereas some places are opting to pass costs onto customers, Taco House has found a workaround by individualizing orders instead of using pre-cooked batches.

Some Restaurants Hold the Line

Even as some eateries raise prices, others like Bobbie’s Southern Kitchen are currently absorbing the extra costs. They’re shouldering an additional $1,350 per week since November without passing this burden onto their customers—at least for now.

The Backyard Chicken Solution?

$20 to $36.95.

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Additional Resources

• San Antonio Express News
• Wikipedia: Avian Influenza
• News 4 San Antonio
• Google Search: Egg Price Inflation 2023
• KENS 5 San Antonio
• Google Scholar: Egg Supply Chain Crisis
• KENS 5 San Antonio
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Egg Shortage
• KSAT San Antonio
• Google News: Egg Price Crisis