Chicken wing shortage is latest pandemic-related setback

Apr 24, 2021, 8:32 PM | Updated: 8:47 pm

At least one wing restaurant has reached out to customers asking for patience as Americans endure another pandemic-related shortage. (Photo: Canva)

(Photo: Canva)

BY SIMONE SEIKALY

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — First it was toilet paper. Then Dr. Pepper, coins, mountain bikes and RVs. Now, chicken wings are the latest commodity to run scarce because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

It started with the Super Bowl in 2021. That’s when, according to Restaurant Business Online, those who need chicken wings (think Wing Stop) were having a hard time getting enough of them.

And the chicken wing shortage hasn’t gotten better since then. Newsweek reports that a wing joint in Texas is reaching out to their customers and community asking for their understanding during the shortage.

Today the chicken business is dealing with the sharp side of the dual-edged sword called demand. Americans ate 1.42 billion wings while watching the Super Bowl in February. And in the whole of 2020, people eating chicken wings in restaurants increased by 7 percent (as compared to 2019.)

And yes, this is despite the restaurant closures in 2020 that were also connected to the pandemic.

Why the chicken wing demand?

First of all, it’s comfort food. It makes us feel nostalgic.

And, it’s no stranger to food delivery. According to MarketWatch, the DoorDash, Uber, GrubHub and Postmates delivery apps had combined earnings of more than $5 billion in 2020 which doubled their combined revenues in 2019.

According to DoorDash and GrubHub, 30% of the people that use their apps want chicken. Chinese food, pizza, burgers and sushi round out the top five requested types of delivery food.

So what’s a wings-lover to do?

Learn to like cauliflower and other meatless chicken products that are shaped like wings. That’s one of the suggestions made by Modern Restaurant Management when Newsweek asked. Or go for the chicken tenders or a chicken sandwich.

And have faith. Toilet paper came back, didn’t it?

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Chicken wing shortage is latest pandemic-related setback

Why the chicken wing demand?

So what’s a wings-lover to do?

RELATED READING:

Dr. Pepper, the latest COVID-19 shortage

There could be a shortage of cookies this year. Thanks 2020.

Coin shortage now affecting Utah liquor stores

We want to hear from you.

Beaver City boil water order partially lifted

Heat advisory in effect through Monday night for northern Utah

Utah, 40 other states reach $18M settlement with 23andMe after data breach, bankruptcy

From Salt Lake City to the Senate: Curtis leads tribute honoring Pioneer Day

Church of Jesus Christ announces 10 hymns to be included in ‘Hymns for Home and Church’

Taylor Farms temporarily shuts Mexico facility as US cyclosporiasis cases rise, source says

Sponsored Articles

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model