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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Beverages
Game On: Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Kicks Off 2026
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina launches Loco Rewards in 2026, plus refreshed Latin-inspired menu items, shareable taco platters, and updated cocktails.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Launches Loyalty Program and Refreshed Menu Innovations
With Loco Rewards and a Refreshed Menu
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina is starting 2026 with a clear message for fans of big games and bold flavors: come hungry, come often, and get rewarded for it. The culturally-rooted sports cantina just announced a new loyalty program—Loco Rewards—plus a round of menu and beverage upgrades aimed at delivering more authentic Latin flavor, stronger value, and a better overall guest experience across its Southwest footprint.Loco Rewards: A loyalty program built for regulars
At the center of the update is Loco Rewards, Ojos Locos’ new points-based program designed to recognize frequent guests. Here’s how it works:- 250 bonus points when you join
- 5 points for every $1 spent
- Rewards with no minimum purchase required
- Ability to redeem multiple rewards at once
- Access to members-only offers and early alerts on specials and menu updates
January perk: A shot at 2026 World Cup tickets
To celebrate the launch, Ojos Locos is tying its loyalty push directly to its sports DNA. Guests who sign up for Loco Rewards in January will be entered to win two free tickets to the 2026 World Cup—a timely hook as soccer fans begin looking ahead to the biggest tournament on the planet.Menu upgrades: More Latin technique, more scratch-made detail
Alongside the loyalty rollout, Ojos Locos is refining core menu items with upgraded ingredients and preparation methods that lean further into classic Latin cooking techniques. A few highlights from the refreshed lineup include:- Elote Loco: roasted and charred, finished with crema, queso fresco, Valentina, and chile en polvo
- Birria de Res: reimagined with slow-cooked brisket
- Fresh churros: made daily by a Dallas-based Mexican bakery
- Hand-pressed tortillas: now pressed daily in the cantinas
Built for groups: New platters and $10-and-under Especiales
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon (and group dining likely to spike), Ojos Locos is also leaning into shareable options. Starting in January, the brand is introducing:- A larger taco platter designed for sharing
- Expanded late-night food offerings
- A broader rollout of daily Especiales, many priced at $10 or less
Behind the bar: Updated cocktails and an expanded tequila program
The refresh isn’t just happening in the kitchen. Ojos Locos is also rolling out a revamped 2026 beverage lineup featuring:- Reworked cocktail recipes
- An expanded high-end tequila program
- Trend-forward flavors built for game-day energy
- Milagro Mexican Martini
- Cadillac Margarita
- Horchata Sin Dolor
A growing brand across the Southwest
Ojos Locos currently operates 35 locations across Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, and says these January updates reflect continued investment in quality, hospitality, and the communities it serves. For guests ready to join, Loco Rewards is available through the Ojos Locos app on the App Store or Google Play.- Learn more about Loco Rewards: https://ojoslocos.com/rewards
- Explore the brand: www.ojoslocos.com
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Chipotle Opens 4,000th Restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas — A Big Milestone in the “Little Apple”
Chipotle has opened its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, featuring a Chipotlane drive-thru pickup lane and new high-efficiency kitchen equipment as the company pushes toward its long-term growth goals.
Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant, located in Manhattan, Kansas, features the brand’s signature Chipotlane and new High-Efficiency Equipment Package.
A “Little Apple” opening with a “Big Apple” moment
To commemorate the milestone, Chipotle’s executive leadership team and restaurant leaders rang The Opening Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange at 9:30 a.m. ET—a fitting contrast between Manhattan, Kansas and Manhattan, New York. For a brand that’s built its reputation on “real food” and streamlined operations, the 4,000th opening signals just how far Chipotle has come—and how much bigger it expects to get.What’s inside Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant
The Manhattan, Kansas location is designed to showcase two key initiatives: Chipotlane expansion and a new High-Efficiency Equipment Package.Chipotlane: built for digital ordering
The restaurant includes Chipotle’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to retrieve digital orders without leaving their cars. Chipotle has been leaning hard into this format. For full-year 2025, the company expects to open 315 to 345 restaurants, with at least 80% featuring a Chipotlane.High-Efficiency Equipment Package
The 4,000th restaurant also features Chipotle’s new High-Efficiency Equipment Package, designed to increase throughput, streamline prep, and help teams operate more effectively during peak hours—while maintaining Chipotle’s culinary standards. The package includes:- Three-Pan Rice Cooker: supports higher cooking volumes and consistent batching
- Dual Sided Plancha: reduces cook time for steak, chicken, and fajita veggies
- High-Capacity Fryer: improves throughput for fresh chips
- Produce Slicer: automates slicing to streamline prep
Executives and local team members celebrate Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant opening in Manhattan, Kansas.
Chipotle’s growth: the numbers behind the milestone
Chipotle says it is now over halfway to its long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. Since CEO Scott Boatwright joined Chipotle in 2017 (then as Chief Restaurant Officer), the company has grown from over 2,300 restaurants to 4,000 locations—a 70% increase in eight years. Looking ahead, Chipotle expects:- 350 to 370 new restaurant openings in 2026
- Including 10 to 15 international partner-operated locations
What leadership is saying
Chipotle leaders framed the opening as both a growth milestone and a community moment. Stephen Piacentini, Chief Development Officer, said the Manhattan, Kansas restaurant is “a celebration of the guests who have asked us to bring Chipotle to their communities,” adding that the location highlights “more convenient access points, sustainable design features and equipment upgrades.” CEO Scott Boatwright said reaching 4,000 restaurants reflects the strength of Chipotle’s strategic initiatives and its commitment to “Cultivate a Better World,” emphasizing expanded access to responsibly sourced food and new career opportunities for team members.International expansion: where Chipotle is headed next
Chipotle reports over 100 restaurants outside the U.S., including:- 75 in Canada
- 28 in Europe
- 11 partner-operated locations in the Middle East
- The first Chipotlane outside North America, opened in Kuwait (Bneid Al Gar) through a partnership with Alshaya Group
- A development agreement to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time in 2026 with Alsea
- Planned first openings in South Korea and Singapore in 2026 through a joint venture with SPC Group
The STM Daily News takeaway
Chipotle’s 4,000th restaurant opening in Manhattan, Kansas is a milestone—but it’s also a preview of the company’s playbook for the next phase: more locations, more Chipotlanes, and more operational upgrades aimed at speed and consistency. If Chipotle stays on pace, this “Little Apple” moment may end up being remembered as a midpoint on the way to something even bigger.Related Links
Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill press release distributed via PRNewswire, Dec. 12, 2025.
Now and Later: The Candy That Taught Us Patience (and Stuck to Our Teeth)Link: https://stmdailynews.com/now-and-later-candy-history/
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Food and Beverage
Unwrap the Holidays: Whataburger Launches 12 Days of Whatacheer With Daily App Deals
Celebrate the holidays with Whataburger’s 12 Days of Whatacheer! Discover daily in-app deals, exclusive to Rewards members, from December 12–23. Unwrap new menu favorites, BOGO offers, and festive savings—only on the Whataburger App.
12 Days of Whatacheer: Festive Deals for Rewards Members
How It Works
- Who: Whataburger Rewards members (sign up in the app if you’re not already!)
- When: December 12–23, with a new offer every day
- How: Open the Whataburger App, claim the day’s deal, and enjoy with your next order
Holiday-themed graphic reading ‘12 Days of WhataCheer’ on a red background with white dots. Below the text are images of Whataburger menu items: a Cinnamon Roll, Onion Rings, a Whataburger, a Whatafresher, a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and a Strawberry Shake.
Why Join the Whataburger Rewards Fun?
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