Cracker Barrel won’t upcharge for eggs, takes dig at Waffle House. ‘Country hospitality’
Cracker Barrel is working to woo customers shell shocked by soaring egg prices — all while shading its rival in the process.
Days after Atlanta-based Waffle House announced it would tack on a 50-cent surcharge on all egg orders, Cracker Barrel made it clear that its egg prices “are staying put.”
“A surcharge on eggs? Well, there’s nothing hospitable about that,” the restaurant said Feb. 5 in a news release, as reported by NBC. “At Cracker Barrel, country hospitality is as important to us as a hearty breakfast — and that means not charging extra for eggs.”
Customers enrolled in Cracker Barrel’s rewards program can now earn double the points, or “pegs,” on all egg orders, Cracker Barrel posted on Facebook. The offer is valid through Feb. 12.
“Thanks for not jumping on the .50 cent bandwagon,” one user commented on the restaurant’s post. “We love your breakfast!”
“Here’s a company that’s not trying to benefit from a bad situation,” wrote another.
It comes as a nationwide egg shortage, caused by a highly-contagious bird flu, pushes egg prices to record highs. The average price of a dozen large grade-A eggs jumped to $4.15 in December, a 50-cent increase from the month prior, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report.
Restaurants like Waffle House said they’re feeling the pinch and “are being forced to make some difficult decisions.” The extra 50-cent fee took effect Feb. 3 at the beloved 24-hour diner, known for its affordable breakfast options.
“Rather than increasing prices across the menu, this is a temporary targeted surcharge tied” to the rising cost of eggs, Waffle House said in a statement.
McClatchy News reached out to Cracker Barrel for comment Feb. 7 and was awaiting a response.
Find your nearest Cracker Barrel here.
This story was originally published February 7, 2025 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Cracker Barrel won’t upcharge for eggs, takes dig at Waffle House. ‘Country hospitality’."