With the rising costs of eggs, one of Los Angeles’ most famous delis has been rushing to catch up. Last week, Langer’s delicatessen restaurant in Westlake began charging customers more than 50 cents per egg.
“I waited, I was hoping for it [the price] said owner Norm Langer. “But it will continue to increase.”
The average price of 12 eggs nationwide has skyrocketed to a record high in January over the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Things are getting worse in California. Some grocery stores charge more than $9 for eggs, limiting the amount of eggs that customers can buy. The perpetrators are the bird flu outbreak, which thins chicken populations, and the broader market forces that are pushing up prices for staple foods, according to experts.
Langer said the rise in prices for egg dishes was temporary and has not increased the costs of other menu items, such as the deli’s famous hot pastrami sandwich.
In addition to eggs, the rising costs of produce and other items continue to put pressure on his business, Langer said. Over 100 notable restaurants closed in LA in 2024. Owners cite labor costs, delivery app fees and health insurance costs as ongoing hurdles.
Langer said he doesn’t know how long he can keep charging the extra 50 cents for the eggs. He said he heard it could take several months to get back the chicken flock. So far, customers have become more tolerant, he said.
“All the comments that have come back to me are, ‘Norms, we understand,'” Langer said.
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