Staff Reports
Small business owners in America are grappling with the ongoing turmoil brought on by skyrocketing egg prices. While most average Americans may just sigh and shuffle through the grocery store, small business owners know that each egg comes with a side of inflation, and that’s no yolk. Many are now having to squeeze their budgets and dig deep into their pockets, which might explain why some menu prices are starting to look as inflated as a soufflé.
It seems the days of carefree omelette-making are long gone. Small businesses typically pride themselves on providing fresh, quality ingredients, and eggs play a crucial role in many beloved dishes. But with prices having ridden the roller coaster of inflation, a scrambled market has resulted in some business owners substituting suppliers or hiking up their prices. American diners might soon be saying goodbye to their favorite breakfast staples or at least be prepared to pay a few extra bucks for them.
You know that supposed egg shortage? Not so fast.
According to Farm Action, a group backed by smaller farmers to take aim at “corporate monopolies,” claims that leading egg producers are keeping the supply of new egg-laying hens “stagnant” in order to prolong their two year run… pic.twitter.com/O088IrH9mK
— Croxxed Out (@FLCons) February 13, 2025
This predicament is not just a financial nuisance; it’s a reminder of broader issues plaguing the economy. Increased prices on essentials like eggs are symptomatic of a government that seems more focused on regulating everything under the sun rather than allowing free-market principles to flourish. Instead of recognizing that the weight of these policies falls hardest on small business owners and their clients, the leading powers appear more interested in enforcing rules than in actually solving problems.
On the flip side, the meme-worthy aspect of the egg price spike has led to some creative maneuvering among resourceful business owners. Some are trading up for better suppliers or concocting inventive recipes that either utilize fewer eggs or divert attention away from the egg-centric items altogether. Who knew that the humble egg could inspire such culinary innovation in times of crisis?
As prices continue to soar, one can’t help but wonder what the next move will be for America’s small businesses. While the rest of the country debates the merits of coddled eggs versus hard-boiled, small business owners will be racing to recalibrate their offerings while praying that a return to normal egg prices is on the horizon—or at least before brunch meets affordability. Until then, the only thing more scrambled than prices is the very concept of a fair market.
