A side‑by‑side photo of two Waffle House menus—one from 2018 and the other from 2026—has sparked widespread frustration online.
The now-removed image, posted to Reddit with the caption “The 8 year price difference at a Waffle House in Birmingham, Alabama,” had earned more than 2,400 upvotes.
The photo shared by user u/ErmYeahOkay shows a blue 2018 menu beneath a newer, yellow 2026 version, and the contrast is immediately noticeable. Some of the chain’s most-familiar dishes have climbed by several dollars, even after promotional price reductions.
The All‑Star Special, one of Waffle House’s most-popular breakfasts, illustrates the shift clearly. In 2018, the meal—which includes two eggs, a waffle and a breakfast side—cost $7.50, reduced from $9.90. In 2026, the same combination is listed at $12, down from $15.75.
Other items show similar increases. Cheese and eggs with a side of sausage or ham cost $7.50 in 2018; in 2026, the dish is $8.25 and no longer includes meat, though it now comes with cheese grits and raisin toast.
A plate of large hash browns “covered” with cheese, sausage and two scrambled eggs has risen from $7.50 to $10.50. The Texas bacon (or sausage), egg and cheese melt with hash browns has gone from $7.10 to $10.
Some menu changes reflect broader shifts in offerings. Steak and eggs, once the most expensive item on the 2018 menu at $9.20, has been removed from the menu. In its place is a Fiesta Chicken Protein Bowl—three eggs with onions, tomatoes, cheese and jalapeños—priced at $11.50 after a recent reduction from $12.50.
Even the basics have crept upward. A plain waffle has risen from $3.30 to $4.75 before toppings, and hash browns have increased from $2.20 to $3.25.
Newsweek has reached out to Waffle House for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
Why Restaurant Prices Keep Outpacing Groceries
A 2025 YouGov survey found that, while 70 percent Americans still eat out at least once a month, 37 percent say they’re doing so less often than a year ago. Among lower‑income households, that figure rises to 44 percent. Only 8 percent reported eating out more frequently.
Of those cutting back, 69 percent cited rising restaurant prices, while 58 percent said they were trying to save money.
Government data helps explain why restaurant meals have become such a pressure point. The United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service says that grocery and restaurant prices used to rise at similar rates. But, beginning in the late 2000s, the two began to diverge. Grocery prices even fell in some years, while restaurant prices continued to climb—driven by higher labor, rent and operating costs.
The pandemic years intensified the gap. In 2022, food prices rose at their fastest pace since 1979 due to supply chain disruptions, energy costs and global instability.
Restaurant prices increased 7.7 percent that year, while grocery prices jumped even higher. Although inflation eased in 2024 and 2025, restaurant prices continued to rise faster than their long‑term average.
In 2026, the USDA predicts restaurant prices will increase another 3.9 percent, outpacing grocery inflation once again.
So far, the March 31 post has left users both shocked and disappointed, with many reminiscing about the prices they once paid.
“This makes me unreasonably angry,” said one user.
Another posted: “I was just there yesterday for the first time in a few years and was shocked to see the all American was $15.99 where I live (they had the $18.99 crossed off, [probably] to make to make you feel better).”
A third recalled: “I worked at a diner up until 2011 when I was in school. Was talking about prices with my grandmom this weekend. We had [two] eggs home fries toast and coffee for 2.49. What a deal is compared to today.”
A fourth added: “I will never hate on the Waffle House.”
Newsweek reached out to u/ErmYeahOkay for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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