Olivia Kelleher, a news reporter with KUTV 2 News, reported that Denny's food costs are rising, with egg prices reaching record highs and major restaurant chains implementing surcharges. This statement was made via her social media account on February 25.
"The cost of eggs is at a record high," said Kelleher, Multimedia Journalist. "The price of coffee reached a record high in January. The USDA predicts the price of sugar to rise 6.4% in 2025."
According to CBS News, Denny’s has introduced an egg surcharge due to rising egg costs caused by a nationwide shortage. The company stated that the additional fee will be temporary and will vary by region and location. This decision follows Waffle House’s earlier move to implement a $0.50 per egg surcharge. The increase in egg prices is attributed to supply chain disruptions and the mass culling of millions of egg-laying hens due to bird flu outbreaks.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the index for eggs increased by 15.2% in January 2025, marking the largest monthly rise in egg prices since June 2015. This sharp increase accounted for approximately two-thirds of the total monthly increase in the food-at-home index. Over the past 12 months, egg prices surged by 53.0%, reflecting ongoing supply chain disruptions and increased production costs. The broader meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index rose by 6.1% over the same period.
This pricing model is not unique to the restaurant industry. Uber also employs surge pricing, which temporarily increases fares during periods of high demand to encourage more drivers to become available and maintain reliable service for riders. This approach helps balance supply and demand, ensuring that riders can secure trips when they need them most.
Kelleher is a multimedia journalist at KUTV 2 News / KMYU, covering various topics including consumer trends and local politics. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from USC Annenberg and previously worked as a Vice President of Creative in digital marketing before transitioning to broadcast journalism, according to her LinkedIn profile.