Local businesses deal with possible chicken shortage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- If you’ve noticed empty chicken wing coolers in your local grocery store, you aren’t alone.

In the last year or so, consumers have seen a shortage of Lysol, toilet paper, lumber and now chicken wings?

The National Chicken Council says don’t panic just yet, while there is not quite a shortage, wing supply is tight which unfortunately has been impacting local businesses like meat shops, as well as The Flaming Rooster on Broad Street.

Edward Wickley, the owner of the Flaming Rooster moved his business to Broad Street in the fall of 2020.

Since then, he has seen chicken prices rise drastically.

Wickley says,”It’s been a tremendous increase. When I left Brainerd road, it was like 70ish dollars for 40 pounds. Now, its like over $100.”

The National Council Of Chicken says that the winter storm in Texas, the lack of employees at factories and big events like the super bowl all played apart in the lack of wings.

Wickley says that even though supplier costs has risen he has been able to keep his prices the same by making adjustments to the menu.

“I went from 6 wings on a plate to four wings on a plate and added a side, trying to compensate so that I wouldn’t have to bring the price up for the customer”, adds Wickley.

Don’s Meat Shop in Hixson has had to make adjustments as well.

Donnie Raines says, “Prices have been escalating. The supply situation has been a little better. But, as the country is reopening and restaurants are reopening, the price is going to remain high supply is going to be spotty but not impossible to find.”

Raines says that having multiple suppliers of chicken has allowed him to keep his prices the same.

He warns that consumers could see a rise in beef prices as well.

Summer is approaching very quickly and the National Chicken Council says that the demand for chicken will continue to rise.

The council says that some restaurants across the nation are opting for boneless instead.