(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Fat Tuesday is next week, and you may have to spend more on some traditional treats to celebrate.
Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston in Illinois has raised prices on pączkis after their cost of eggs more than doubled. The same story is playing out across the country as the price of eggs skyrockets.
Thick, doughy and sugary paczkis in particular are laden with what's become a more precious commodity. Angelo Colozza, owner of Colozza's bakery in Ohio told a local reporter that they use about $50 worth of eggs in one pound of paczki dough.
Bennison's Supervisor Jennifer Fournier said they increased prices last month for most of their baked goods made with eggs.
“It's had a bit of an impact on Pączki Day. We're not seeing as many orders, but we're hoping that maybe later on in the week, you know, they'll start to pick up a little bit,” Fournier said.
She thinks that’s why orders for pączkis are lower than normal at this point, but hopes they’ll pick up as we get closer to Tuesday.
Egg prices is the main topic of conversation for Bennison’s master baker, Jory Downer, and other owners of a group called the Bakers Dozen, Fournier said
Oak Mill Bakery has 28 flavors of pączki, ranging in price from $2.95 for mini versions to $6.95 for new signature options such as ambrosia or pear charlotte.
“With the egg prices being outrageous, we don't want to put that on to our customers. So thankfully, we haven't had to raise prices currently,” Office Manager Susan Sepulveda said.
She says they hope to keep it that way.
Both bakeries expect long lines on Tuesday and encourage customers to order online ahead of time.