Why Restaurant Surcharges for Eggs, Food, Labor, and Healthcare Are on the Rise: What Diners Need to Know

TOLEDO, Ohio — For 87-year-old Don Conti, every cent counts. "I save all my change," he chuckles.

Don often meets friends at Executive Diner on Sylvania Ave. During a recent visit, he was surprised to see a $0.50 surcharge for a single egg on his bill. "If it were $0.25, I wouldn’t have said anything, but $0.50 feels excessive," he shared with 13 Action News.

He also noticed a $0.13 charge labeled simply as "food." His friends echoed his concerns, prompting Don to take pictures of their bills and inquire with the server. "I asked, ‘What’s this extra charge for food?’ She replied, ‘Well, everybody’s doing it!’”

This trend isn’t just a Toledo issue. John Barker, president of the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance, confirms that many restaurants are adding surcharges. "Breakfast spots and bakeries, especially, face increased costs for eggs. These surcharges help explain rising bills."

Restaurants are trying to be transparent about costs related to food, labor, and healthcare. According to recent data, the price of eggs has skyrocketed by over 60% in the past year. This hike has pushed some eateries to adjust pricing in hopes of staying afloat.

For Don, those itemized charges are unwelcome. "I’d prefer a flat rate on all food. Then there wouldn’t be any questions." He mentioned considering other dining options for future outings with friends. "If they lower prices, I might return, but it seems a bit greedy."

In response to customer concerns, Executive Diner issued a statement explaining their approach. They emphasized the difficulty of absorbing credit card fees, which can cost small businesses thousands monthly. They also noted the necessity of the added egg charge due to rising prices. “We want to keep our customers happy while remaining viable.”

As diners feel the pinch of extra charges, it’s clear that many are navigating a challenging economic landscape. Changes in restaurant pricing are becoming common as businesses adapt to fluctuations in food costs and consumer expectations. This mirrors broader trends in the economy, where both consumers and businesses are feeling the squeeze. If you’re interested in more insights on food pricing and inflation, check out this report from the US Department of Agriculture.

Ultimately, customers like Don want to enjoy their meals without surprises when the bill arrives.

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