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 – 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.
