The Restaurant Chain That Says It Won't Charge Extra For Ordering Eggs

Lately, it seems like diners are being slammed left and right by rising costs when it comes to the first meal of the day. Inflation is, of course, a major problem plaguing consumers — it seems like bananas are just about the only food currently safe from rising prices — but the pain is felt nowhere as acutely as when it comes to eggs. Economic factors are an issue inflating the cost of cartons, just like everything else, but there is also the deadly avian flu causing bird farmers to cull some of their flocks. As a result, the price of eggs has skyrocketed as of late. In response, Waffle House made the unpopular decision to levy a 50-cent per egg surcharge on all of its dishes, passing along some of the overhead price hikes to customers. Breakfast competitor Cracker Barrel, however, has publicly refused to do the same.

"[A]t Cracker Barrel, country hospitality is as important to us as a hearty breakfast — and that means not charging extra for eggs," a Cracker Barrel spokesperson stated (via FSR). In fact, the homestyle restaurant, which rocked the boat itself when it discontinued some popular menu items in 2024, is doubling down on value by offering an egg-based promotion to its Cracker Barrel Rewards members.

Not only has Cracker Barrel pledged to not raise prices of egg entrees, but today (February 6th) through February 12th, the chain's rewards club members will earn double "pegs" (the chain's term for points) on the purchase of all entrees involving eggs. Accumulating pegs allows rewards members to earn free food or gift shop credit, so, in a roundabout way, Cracker Barrel is theoretically helping consumers save money by eating eggs. The company specifically name-dropped its $7.99 Sunrise Pancake Special, which includes two buttermilk pancakes with your choice of either two eggs or two pieces of breakfast meat. Best of all, it can currently be ordered all day long. 

In a time where genuinely good restaurant deals seem few and far between, Cracker Barrel's vow to not charge extra for eggs is a rare concession to the fact that consumers' wallets are being pinched from every angle. As for other methods for combating the price of eggs, you can always trade your sunny-side-up yolks for the viral TikTok scrambled pancakes ... although, given some of the reviews there, maybe you'd better just eat some cereal.