Is the $25 Breakfast Here to Stay?
News from the Hispanic World in One Click
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Breakfast restaurants in the United States are having a hard time because of rising food prices. Items like eggs, bacon, coffee, orange juice, and flour are all much more expensive than they were a few years ago. These price increases are making it difficult for diners, cafes, and bakeries to make a profit.
At a Cafe in Philadelphia, the co-owner says that 90% of their menu includes eggs. When egg prices jumped to $8 per dozen, it hurt the business a lot. A simple plate of eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee used to cost about $3 or $4 to make, but now the cost has doubled. He says they are trying not to raise prices too much because nobody wants to pay $25 for breakfast.
Egg prices have gone up because of a major bird flu outbreak that caused many chickens to be killed. Coffee prices are high due to bad weather in Brazil and Vietnam. Orange juice is more expensive because of citrus tree disease. Flour also costs more due to the war in Ukraine.
Some restaurants are trying to save money by offering new menu items that use cheaper ingredients. But that’s hard for places known for pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes. Customers expect those foods, and changing the menu might upset them.
Owners like Sam Yoo from Golden Diner in NYC saythey are used to prices changing, but these increases are worse than before. He is trying to keep his diner affordable for the community, even if profits are lower. Other problems, like new traffic rules in New York, have also made it harder for customers to visit.
Many breakfast places worry they can’t survive much longer if prices keep going up. Even restaurants that are popular are struggling just to pay their bills.
