IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Farmer Boys Restaurants, the Riverside-based chain that serves only farm-fresh food, has completed its transition to cage-free eggs.
The shift has now been achieved at its 89 locations after working closely with Hickman Farms, its longtime egg supplier, according to a statement posted Tuesday on Farmer Boys’ website.
Farmer Boys officials announced the change early last year, saying the move was being made primarily for animal welfare reasons.
“Our transition to cage-free eggs reinforces our commitment to quality,” said Kristy Foster, vice president of supply chain and research and development, in the statement. “Farmer Boys will continue to evolve its menu to meet the needs of our customers and provide the tastiest, farm fresh experience.”
The move drew praise from one of the country’s leading animal rights groups.
“We commend Farmer Boys for completing its conversion to 100 percent cage-free eggs ahead of schedule,” says Josh Balk, vice president of farm animal protection at The Humane Society of the United States. “This action demonstrates real leadership on animal welfare and is consistent with a philosophy of doing right by your customers.”
All eggs served by Farmer Boys will be harvested in California. The new policy includes shell eggs, hard-boiled, and liquid eggs used in recipes, according to the statement.
