Egg Prices Soar Amid Shortage, Local Restaurant Faces Tough Decisions on Menu Prices

The dramatic rise in egg prices continues to have a ripple effect on local businesses, particularly those in the food industry. At Kitchen 86 in Palm Desert, eggs are an essential ingredient featured in dishes like omelets, the signature Boom Boom Shrimp Benedict, and breakfast pizza. The restaurant, known for its popular breakfast menu, relies on dozens of eggs each day to meet customer demand. However, with egg prices skyrocketing, manager Miguel Espinola is facing tough decisions about how to adjust.

Egg prices jumped nearly 37% last year, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts an additional 20% increase by the end of 2025. The main culprit? A devastating bird flu outbreak that has wiped out over 40 million egg-laying hens. Espinola, though frustrated by the rising costs, is working hard to navigate the situation without sacrificing the quality of the menu or overwhelming his customers with higher prices.

Despite his reluctance to increase menu prices, Espinola admits that adjusting prices may be the only way to cover the skyrocketing costs. "We just have to analyze prices and go from there," he said, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance. As egg prices continue to soar, many local restaurants are grappling with the challenge of keeping their menus affordable while managing rising food costs.