ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Blake’s Lotaburger is set to add a $1 surcharge to all menu items that include eggs, starting Thursday.

“It put us in a lurch, and we wanted to act fast,” said Tiffany Bornmann, Blake’s Lotaburger marketing manager. 

Bornmann says that’s how they felt about the rising cost of eggs nationwide. The cost keeps going up as the supply keeps going down. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 20 million egg-laying chickens have died from bird flu. This “egg-pensive” shortage is forcing Blake’s hand. 

“So you’ll see the traditional cost of the breakfast burrito or the breakfast sandwich, and then you will see on your receipt $1 egg surcharge in addition to what the traditional cost was,” said Bornmann. 

Blake’s says this was the best way to balance the rising cost while still providing fresh eggs.

“As opposed to changing our recipes or kind of switching up what we’ve always done, we thought, you know, continue to do what we’re known for doing. We didn’t want customers to be upset by the recipe changing,” Bornmann said. 

KOB 4 checked the price of a dozen eggs at a few of the national chains, and none of them were listed below $4. It’s unclear what will come first, more eggs more chickens or lower prices.

“We don’t know how quickly this will change nationally. It’s been discussed that it could be anywhere from six to nine months. We, of course, hope that is much sooner, but we are very uncertain right now,” said Bornmann. 

The new surcharge will go into effect Thursday at all Blake’s locations. 

Bornmann says it’s unclear how long this temporary charge will be in place, since it all depends on the national supply.