PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Eggs are up – and we’re not talking “sunny-side.” There’s an egg shortage going on due in part to bird flu.
The consumer price index shows an average 65 percent increase year-over-year for December – that’s for a dozen large Grade A eggs.
Places like Ma and Pop’s Country Kitchen in Bethel Park are feeling that increase.
“We go through anywhere from 12 to 15 cases a week,” said Steve Diethorn, co-owner of Ma and Pop’s Country Kitchen.
Eggs are used in things like omelettes and French toast, and they’re not cheap.
“They’re up to anywhere from $80. Last week one of my vendors said $105 for a case, 15 dozen.”
Diethorn says he usually pays anywhere from $27 to $33 for that. His suppliers say the supply is not guaranteed.
“It’s very concerning for us,” said Diethorn.
His customers are having trouble finding them too.
“A lot of people come in here and say they can’t get them at the grocery store unless they get them when the truck comes,” said Diethorn.
It’s a similar problem at Billie Ann’s Diner in Cecil.
“If you wanna get rich, you don’t buy a restaurant,” said Billie Ann Graham, owner of Billie Ann’s Diner.
There was a new shipment on Thursday, and it was not cheap.
“In March we were using eggs,” said an employee at Billie Ann’s. “Eggs were under $20 a case and now they’re $88.87 a case.”
Both places go through many cases a week. They’re trying to avoid price spikes.
“If we raise our prices too much, people aren’t gonna come in,” said Diethorn.
But the main goal? As small businesses, it’s just to endure.
“You gotta do what you gotta do to survive,” said Graham.
The recent surge in bird flu cases has taken a toll on Pittsburgh-area businesses, particularly those in the poultry industry. As the highly contagious virus continues to spread, many farms and suppliers are facing significant challenges in maintaining their operations.
Poultry farms have been hit hard by the outbreak, with many reporting high mortality rates among their flocks. This has led to a decrease in supply and an increase in prices for poultry products, putting strain on businesses that rely on these goods for their operations.
In addition to poultry farms, other businesses in the Pittsburgh area that rely on poultry products are also feeling the impact of the bird flu outbreak. Restaurants, grocery stores, and food manufacturers are all facing disruptions in their supply chains, leading to potential shortages and increased costs.
The surge in bird flu cases has highlighted the vulnerability of businesses in the poultry industry to such outbreaks. It serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity measures and preparedness in order to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for Pittsburgh-area businesses to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their operations and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. By working together and implementing best practices, businesses can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger on the other side.
Tags:
- Pittsburgh area businesses
- Bird flu cases
- Avian flu outbreak
- Impact on local businesses
- Public health crisis
- Economic repercussions
- Disease outbreak in Pittsburgh
- Business continuity planning
- Avian influenza in Pennsylvania
- Workplace safety measures
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