Small businesses in Montana and Wyoming are grappling with the sharp increase in egg prices, leaving many owners scrambling to adjust their pricing and product offerings, Q2 Montana News Leader Billings reports.
With the surge in egg costs, businesses across the region are facing tough decisions to maintain profitability while managing the strain on their bottom lines.
One example is The Sassy Biscuit Co., a popular brunch spot in Billings, Montana. Known for its egg-centric menu, the restaurant typically uses between 800 and 1,200 eggs each week, even during a slower season.
“Every single menu item has an egg in it,” said Jilan Hall, the restaurant’s owner.
However, with prices on eggs climbing rapidly, the restaurant is seeing a strain on its margins.
The USDA reports that egg prices are expected to rise by 20.3% in 2025, continuing a significant upward trend from 2023. The current price spike is primarily attributed to a highly contagious strain of avian influenza (HPAI), which has killed millions of commercial egg-laying hens. The ongoing outbreak, coupled with the winter season, continues to exacerbate the situation.
Despite the price hikes, Hall has tried to keep menu prices stable, even lowering them recently to remain competitive. However, other rising costs like labor and general food expenses have made it difficult to maintain profitability.
“When pricing is doubling or sometimes even surpassing that, it becomes difficult,” she said.
In addition to rising food costs, Hall has also noticed a change in consumer behavior. As prices increase, fewer people are dining out, which has resulted in a drop in sales compared to last year. “It’s just all about balancing, and that can be difficult because you don’t have control over how people come in and spend their money,” Hall added.
Similarly, Jennifer Keller, the owner of Rollhouse Bakery in Montana, is feeling the effects of soaring egg prices. Specializing in baked goods, Keller typically uses eight to 10 dozen eggs each weekend. With prices rising from 15 cents per egg to 60 cents per egg, the increase has significantly narrowed her profit margins.
Despite these higher costs, Keller has chosen to absorb the price hikes rather than raise her prices, hoping to keep her baked goods affordable for customers. However, she fears that continuing increases in egg prices could make her products unaffordable for some customers.
“If I need to raise my prices, then I will, and if people can pay it, then they will,” Keller explained.
In Wyoming, Bob’s Diner in Greybull is facing similar challenges. Due to the limited availability of eggs in their town, owners Deanna and Robert Skillman have been making regular trips to Billings, Montana, to find eggs at better prices. However, they are still seeing significant price increases, with a box of eggs now costing them $100, compared to $15 for the same amount just a few years ago. To cover these rising costs, the Skillmans have had to increase prices on their egg-based dishes, but they are concerned that this may drive away customers.
“We can’t keep going up. Inflation is bad for everybody. Nobody’s making more money, so eventually, we’re just going to price people out of being able to even come in,” Robert Skillman said.
For these small businesses and many others across the region, the rising cost of eggs is creating significant financial strain. As these businesses adjust to the new normal, the ongoing situation continues to be a challenge for both business owners and consumers alike.
“Based on what we’re seeing so far, I’m just not sure what the rest of 2025 is going to look like, and it can be a little scary as a business owner for sure,” Hall remarked.
