Food and Beverage
Flavorful Snacks Packed with Lean Protein
Cooking flavorful and nutritious meals can enhance health and happiness. Following Mintel’s trends, popular flavors include sweet, sour, smoky, and spicy. Quick recipes like Tuna Stuffed Avocado and Chili Lime Tuna Dip promote healthy eating for families.
(Family Features) Living a happier, healthier life often begins in the kitchen. From lunches on the go to sit-down family meals, keeping flavor at the center of your meal planning is key to maintaining healthy habits.
Based on Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends, experts predict that sweet, sour, smoky and spicy flavors will continue to rise in popularity among families in the United States this year. Show your family how much you care with delicious and nutritious dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. After all, it’s easier to stick to healthy eating when you find joy in the foods you share.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on pantry staples that deliver flavor and nutrition – without extra time in the kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing a snack on your way out the door or looking for ways to add protein to your next meal, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna Packets are convenient and flavorful, delivering key nutrients.
Each packet is 100 calories or less and ready to eat with high-quality, responsibly sourced protein made with MSC-certified tuna, allowing you to dive into a world of deliciously seasoned, lean protein.
Your go-to wild caught tuna paired with the iconic blend of 18 herbs and spices, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with Old Bay Seasoning is a match made in seafood heaven. Perfect for when you’re on the go, the unique combination of flavor, convenience and value helps fight that pesky midday hump, recover from a tough workout or reminisce about a favorite childhood recipe.
For a quick bite when you’re looking for an easy solution, this Tuna Stuffed Avocado recipe is simple yet satisfying and full of flavor. The protein from the tuna and healthy fat from the avocado help to power you through your day and keep you feeling satiated longer. Now on shelves, you can enjoy lean protein with a mix of classic seafood seasoning in recipes like this one.
With the help of the flavor experts at McCormick, Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna Packet with Chili Lime is a convenient protein-packed snack. The joyful zing of lime and chili spice takes this next recipe to another level and can help add a burst of flavor to any meal.
If you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a snack for loved ones, Better-For-You Chili Lime Tuna 7-Layer Dip lets you indulge in fun recipes without ditching health goals. For an extra nutritious touch, serve with chopped vegetables.
Make mouthwatering flavor the right decision for your body and mind with additional better-for-you recipe ideas at ChickenOfTheSea.com.
Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna with Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 cup whole kernel cooked corn
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 1 avocado
- lemon wedges, for serving
- In bowl, combine tuna, corn and minced parsley.
- Halve avocado and carefully remove seed.
- Divide tuna mixture between avocado halves.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Better-For-You Chili Lime Tuna 7-Layer Dip
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10
- 15 ounces canned beans (pinto, black, red, etc.), drained
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 packets (2 1/2 ounces each) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna with McCormick Chili Lime
- sliced or chopped jalapenos or Serrano chilies (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving
- vegetables or tortilla chips, for serving
- In 2-quart casserole dish, layer beans in single layer.
- Add remaining layers: Greek yogurt, guacamole, pico de gallo or salsa, black olives, cheese and tuna.
- Add additional layer of sliced jalapenos or Serrano chilies, if desired.
- Serve dip with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.
SOURCE:
Chicken of the Sea
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News
Major Popeyes Franchisee Sailormen Files for Chapter 11 — What It Means for Restaurants and the Economy
Sailormen Inc., a major Popeyes franchisee operating 130+ locations in Florida and Georgia, filed for Chapter 11 on Jan. 15, 2026 amid rising costs and heavy debt. Many restaurants are expected to remain open as restructuring continues.
A major Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise operator is heading to bankruptcy court — but the headline does notmean Popeyes corporate is filing, or that every restaurant involved is about to close.
Sailormen Inc., a Miami-based Popeyes franchisee that has operated in the system since 1987, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 15, 2026. The company operates more than 130 Popeyes locations across Florida and Georgia (some industry coverage puts the count at 136), making it one of the chain’s largest franchise groups in the region.
Franchisee filing, not a Popeyes corporate bankruptcy
This case involves Sailormen (the operator) — not Popeyes corporate and not parent company Restaurant Brands International.
In a message referenced in industry reporting, Popeyes leadership said Sailormen’s filing does not reflect the overall health of the Popeyes brand, and that a large majority of Sailormen’s restaurants are expected to remain open while the company restructures.
What pushed Sailormen into Chapter 11
Court-related summaries and industry coverage point to a familiar mix of pressures hitting restaurant operators:
- Inflation and higher operating costs (food, labor, and day-to-day expenses)
- Higher borrowing costs as interest rates climbed
- Liquidity strain, including reports of falling behind on rent and facing pressure from landlords and vendors
- Legal disputes, including vendor-related claims tied to unpaid balances
The failed store sale that worsened the situation
One key detail: Sailormen reportedly tried to sell 16 Georgia restaurants to stabilize finances. That deal fell through, and the company remained responsible for lease guarantees tied to those locations — a liability that can linger even if other stores are performing.
The debt and the lender pressure
Industry reporting describes Sailormen as carrying a heavy debt load — cited at about $130 million overall.
More detailed figures cited in coverage include:
- Over $112 million in unpaid principal loan balance
- Over $17 million in accrued interest and fees
Reporting also points to pressure from BMO (BMO Bank), described as Sailormen’s largest lender. In December 2025, BMO reportedly sought to appoint a receiver, a move that can displace management and take control of a company’s assets. Sailormen’s Chapter 11 filing allows the company to continue operating as a debtor-in-possession while it attempts to reorganize.
Why this matters for “Food” and “Our Economy”
This isn’t just a Popeyes story — it’s a snapshot of what happens when restaurant operators face higher costs, value-conscious consumers, and more expensive debt at the same time.
Chapter 11 is designed to reorganize a business, not automatically liquidate it. For customers, the near-term impact may be limited if most locations stay open.
STM Daily News will follow this story as it develops, including any updates on store operations, restructuring plans, and potential sales of locations.
Sources
- Restaurant Business: “A big Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy” https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/big-popeyes-franchisee-files-bankruptcy
- Restaurant Dive: “Large Popeyes franchisee files for Chapter 11” https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/popeyes-frachisee-sailormen-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protections/809854/
For more food business headlines and how they connect to the real economy, follow STM Daily News.
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recipes
Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful dessert featuring lemon cake mix, fresh blueberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year
(Family Features) Whether you can’t quite give up on the holiday treats or the festivities are continuing into 2026, these Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars offer a light, fruity bite. The melted white chocolate drizzle is just what gatherings with loved ones call for. Visit Culinary.net for more delicious desserts to enjoy this year.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and pecans.
- Butter 7-by-11-inch pan and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
- Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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Local Business
Southern California’s Grocery Store Secret: Some Ralph’s Will Fry Your Fish
Some Ralph’s locations in Southern California will fry fish purchased at the seafood counter. Influencers and shoppers explain how it works.
In Southern California, a surprising grocery store perk is quietly gaining attention online: select Ralph’s Supermarket locations will fry fresh fish for customers who buy it at the seafood counter. What was once a local tip has now turned into a social media talking point, with shoppers sharing firsthand experiences of walking out of Ralph’s with hot, freshly fried fish.
A Viral Discovery at the Seafood Counter
Food influencers and everyday shoppers on Instagram and TikTok have been buzzing about the discovery. In one widely shared video, an influencer visits a Southern California Ralph’s location where a sign posted at the seafood and meat department confirms the service. During that visit, the creator purchased three types of fish — tilapia, salmon, and catfish — all fried on-site after purchase.
The video sparked curiosity and excitement, with viewers surprised to learn that a traditional grocery store could double as a take-home fish fry. Many commenters noted they had lived near Ralph’s for years without realizing the service existed.
Influencers and Shoppers Are Spreading the Word
Social media creators have played a major role in bringing attention to the trend. Multiple Instagram Reels and TikTok videos show shoppers ordering fried catfish or tilapia directly from the seafood counter, often tagging Ralph’s or encouraging followers to “try this at your local store.”
One creator publicly thanked another influencer for “putting everyone on” to the Ralph’s fish fry option, while others documented taste tests, calling the fish crispy, well-seasoned, and an easy dinner solution without the mess of frying at home.
Not Just Social Media — Locals Confirm It’s Real
Community discussions back up the influencer claims. Southern California shoppers on neighborhood forums and Reddit threads report that certain Ralph’s locations in areas like Burbank, Torrance, and Orange County have been offering this service for years.
Some locations reportedly display signs at the seafood counter letting customers know they’ll fry fish purchased in-store. Others rely on word-of-mouth, with longtime employees known for frying custom catfish or other selections when staffing and equipment allow.
Why This Isn’t at Every Ralph’s
It’s important to note that this is not an official, chain-wide Ralph’s or Kroger policy. The service appears to be location-specific, depending on factors like available fryers, staffing, and store management decisions. That’s why some shoppers swear by it, while others have never seen it offered at their local store.
Employees and customers alike recommend calling the seafood department ahead of time to ask if fish frying is currently available. Fryers may not be running all day, and availability can vary by shift.
A Budget-Friendly Dinner Hack
For many shoppers, the appeal is obvious. Buying fresh fish at grocery store prices and having it cooked on-site offers a convenient alternative to takeout. It’s especially popular for catfish, tilapia, and salmon — all commonly mentioned in influencer videos and customer stories.
As grocery prices and restaurant costs continue to rise, this unofficial Ralph’s perk has become a clever food hack for Southern California residents looking for quality, convenience, and value.
The Bottom Line
Yes — some Ralph’s locations in Southern California really will fry your fish. While it’s not advertised company-wide, social media influencers, longtime shoppers, and local communities all point to the same conclusion: if your store has the setup and the staff, you might just walk out with freshly fried seafood.
The key is simple: ask at the seafood counter or call ahead. You might discover your neighborhood Ralph’s has been hiding a fish fry in plain sight.
Editor’s Note: This service is not officially advertised by Ralph’s or its parent company Kroger. Availability varies by location and may depend on staffing, equipment, and time of day. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Ralph’s seafood department directly to confirm whether fish frying is currently offered.
Related Articles & Community Posts
Here are some links where people discuss specific Ralph’s locations frying fish at the seafood counter — great for context and reader exploration:
- Is there a Ralph’s in Burbank that fries fish? (Reddit discussion) — Shoppers point out that the Ralph’s on San Fernando Blvd and the one near Victory & Buena Vista have been mentioned as offering fish frying. [oai_citation:0‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com//r/burbank/comments/1qdqq93/is_there_a_ralphs_in_burbank_that_fries_fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Ralph’s fresh fried fish? (Reddit Orange County thread) — A commenter notes that a longtime employee in Cypress (near Ball and Bloomfield) has been making custom catfish nuggets for customers. [oai_citation:1‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com//r/orangecounty/comments/1qeir06/ralphs_fresh_fried_fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Blog post: Ralphs fry fish at the seafood department? — A recent blog recounts discovering this option and encourages calling around to find which locations offer it. [oai_citation:2‡The Accidental Saver in San Diego](https://theaccidentalsaverinsandiego.blogspot.com/2026/01/ralphs-fry-fish-at-seafood-dept-on.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Ralphs: Fish fried for FREE (The Penny Wise Mom) — A classic consumer blog recounting a family’s experience having fish fried while they shopped. [oai_citation:3‡ThePennyWiseMom](https://thepennywisemom.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/ralphs-fish-fried-for-free/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
These links offer both community chatter and firsthand stories that provide deeper context on how this “unofficial” service has been discussed online.
More Food & Drink Coverage from STM Daily News
Looking for more food news, grocery trends, and dining discoveries? Visit the Food & Drink section of STM Daily News for the latest stories on restaurants, food culture, consumer trends, and what people are really eating across Southern California and beyond.
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