Breakfast just got more expensive. Local restaurants in Atlanta are feeling the pinch of soaring egg prices, and many are passing the cost on to customers. Many local diners are adding extra charges to egg dishes to offset the rising costs—a direct result of the nationwide egg shortage.
The price spike stems from an ongoing bird flu outbreak that has devastated poultry farms. Since 2022, millions of egg-laying hens have died or been culled, leaving grocery stores struggling to keep shelves stocked.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects egg prices to climb another 20% in 2025, with farm-level eggs like free-range varieties jumping even higher.The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the cost of a dozen large eggs hit $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 the previous month.
Free-range and cage-free options are even pricier. Some stores are limiting how many cartons customers can buy, while others simply can’t keep eggs in stock.
On top of supply issues, a shortage of refrigerated truck drivers is making matters worse. With fewer drivers available, shipping costs have risen, adding another layer to the price surge.