If you’re planning to order eggs at Waffle House, get ready to pay a little more. The popular diner chain has started adding a 50-cent surcharge to every egg on the menu. Why? The cost of eggs has shot up across the country, and it’s hitting businesses hard.

The chain, known for its 24/7 service and classic breakfast fare, says the increase is due to a nationwide egg shortage. One of the biggest culprits? A brutal strain of bird flu that’s been wreaking havoc on poultry farms since early 2022. The outbreak has led to millions of egg-laying hens being culled, tightening the supply and driving prices sky-high.

Waffle House shared in a statement that this surcharge is temporary. They’re keeping a close eye on egg prices and plan to drop the fee once the market stabilizes. But for now, they’re passing some of the extra costs onto customers.

And it’s not just Waffle House feeling the pinch. Reports show that the average price for a dozen eggs jumped to $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 the month before. Experts warn that things could get even worse, with prices expected to climb another 20% in the coming months.

So, if you’re craving scrambled eggs or a classic sunny-side-up breakfast, don’t be surprised to see a slightly higher bill. Waffle House isn’t alone in navigating this egg crisis, and it looks like the shortage might stick around for a while.