Chicken scratch: Latest avian flu hasn’t hit local egg costs yet
An Unusual Year for Poultry Farmers
The global outbreak of the avian flu in 2022 and 2023 left poultry farmers scrambling to meet demand as they dealt with a shortage of eggs and skyrocketing prices. “Overall, eggs fluctuate like the stock market did in 2019 โ up 500, down 400,” observed Jeff Zepatos, owner of Arcade Restaurant based in downtown Memphis. The cost of eggs has since settled, but customers could be in for a surprise as another increase in egg prices looms.
Memphis Egg Market Remains Stable
Despite the national trend, Memphis has so far been spared from the current wave of price increases. However, Zepatos admits that it’s hard to determine the direction of egg prices at this point. “I’m not sure if we are winning at points or breaking even,” he confessed.
On a Knife’s Edge
Italian chef and Eggs Up Grill owner Jason Heckendorf is among those keeping a wary eye on the poultry market. He shares the same sentiments as Zepatos, suggesting that the local egg market is somewhat precarious as it totters on the edge of another potential egg shortage. “It’s becoming a jigsaw puzzle just trying to make sure we have enough eggs each day,” Heckendorf said.
Bracing for Impact
Allie Mounce, owner of the popular local breakfast spot, Arcade Restaurant, predicts that the avian flu’s effect on the egg market will likely trickle down to consumers soon. “Eventually, we may have to start charging more for our egg dishes, but we’re hoping it doesn’t come to that.”
The Chicken and the Egg
While egg prices remain steady, some restaurants have started reflecting the rise in chicken costs on their menus. With chicken being a central ingredient in many local dishes, this could be a significant blow to the food service industry and consumers alike.
Awaited Return to Normalcy
Despite the challenges presented by the avian flu, local businesses continue to adapt and overcome, maintaining a sense of normalcy for their customers. The hope is that poultry and egg prices will stabilize in the coming months. Only time will tell whether local consumers will indeed have to brace for a surge in egg prices.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
