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.
Food and Beverage
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie Returns June 23—A Limited-Time Summer Throwback
McDonald’s is bringing back its OG Fried Apple Pie starting June 23 for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide—plus a 35-foot pie photo stop on Route 66 near Chicago.
Summer tends to fly by, but certain bites slow time down. McDonald’s is betting its Fried Apple Pie is one of them.
According to a new announcement from McDonald’s USA, the OG Fried Apple Pie returns to participating restaurants nationwide starting June 23 for a limited time. The classic dessert is described as featuring a signature filling made with 100% American-grown apples, wrapped in the same golden, crunchy, flaky fried crust longtime fans remember.
Why the Fried Apple Pie comeback matters
McDonald’s is framing the return as a nostalgia play with a patriotic twist, tying the seasonal rollout to the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday. If you grew up hearing people talk about “the fried pies,” this is the moment they mean: hot, sweet, and unmistakably old-school.
And if you’ve never tried it? McDonald’s is positioning June 23 as your entry point—an “if you know, you know” menu item that’s meant to feel like a summer memory in dessert form.
A classic that started as a family recipe
The company also shared a bit of origin story: the Fried Apple Pie traces back to the 1960s, when East Tennessee McDonald’s Owner/Operator Litton Cochran created a fried apple hand pie that became a local favorite. Over time, it made its way into McDonald’s history.
Eric Cochran, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator, said the pie is one of those foods that “take you back,” and credited his grandparents—Litton and Jo Cochran—with helping shape the recipe when McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was looking for a dessert that would resonate with customers.
The 35-foot Fried Apple Pie (yes, really)
To make the return feel like a road-trip moment, McDonald’s is also unveiling a giant roadside installation: The McDonald’s Largest Fried Apple Pie, a 35-foot version of the dessert placed along Route 66—built to be a photo stop.
Fans can snap a selfie and pick up a McDonald’s souvenir map at:
- 920 N Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435 (just outside Chicago)
If you’re near Chicagoland, here are the dates
- Kickoff event (June 23): 3:30–6:00 p.m. CT, with live music, an ice-cold Coca-Cola, and complimentary Arch Cards
- June 23–July 4: The installation remains up through the holiday stretch
How to get it
McDonald’s says the Fried Apple Pie will be available all day at participating restaurants nationwide, and can also be ordered via the McDonald’s App, while supplies last.If your summer plans include a long drive, a late-night snack run, or just chasing a little nostalgia, June 23 might be the date to circle. Some menu items are built for convenience—this one is built for the detour.
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Last Updated on June 15, 2026 by Rod Washington
Miami’s South Beach dining scene is about to get a jolt of Tel Aviv energy. Naked Tomato by internationally acclaimed chef Eyal Shani will open at Moxy South Beach on May 14, bringing a modern Israeli, modern Mediterranean-leaning restaurant built around simplicity, seasonality, and open-fire cooking.
If Shani’s name rings a bell, it’s because his ingredient-first approach has become a global calling card. His portfolio now spans 50+ restaurants across cities including New York, Tel Aviv, Paris, Melbourne, Singapore, Las Vegas, and London, with concepts like Miznon, HaSalon, and Michelin-starred Shmonéhelping define his expressive, produce-forward style.
The “naked” tomato: a menu philosophy, not a garnish
At Naked Tomato, the tomato isn’t just a motif—it’s the thesis. Shani describes the “naked” tomato as food in its purest form: uncomplicated, vibrant, and honest. That idea shapes a menu designed to let ingredients speak for themselves, paired with a lively atmosphere that nods to Israeli roadside grills and the late-night pulse of Tel Aviv.
“At Naked Tomato, we believe creating naked food is an act of courage,” Shani said in the announcement. “It means removing the masks and distractions, and standing fully behind the ingredient itself… Naked food is high-risk creation. It is purity.”
What to expect on the menu
For the first time, Shani is stepping away from his signature free-flowing format and moving toward a more structured layout of starters, small plates, and mains—some newly created, others inspired by dishes across his global restaurants.
Starters and small plates to watch for
The opening lineup highlights the restaurant’s core promise: bold Mediterranean flavors, bright produce, and fire-driven technique.
- Fire-Roasted Eggplant Lines
- Moroccan Bishbash Salad
- “You Need Our Dips”: hummus, babaganoush, labaneh, and freshly baked laffe
Shipudim: Israeli-style skewers at the center
The heart of the menu is Shipudim—Israeli-style skewers—served with a colorful spread of mezze. Options include:
- Wild mushrooms
- Shrimp
- Harissa chicken thigh
- Lamb kebab
Expect mezze sides like pickles, Middle Eastern slaw, roasted peppers, and matbucha, built for sharing, tearing, and dipping.
Larger plates and “party table” mains
For groups (or hungry solo diners), the menu also points to larger, fire-kissed plates:
- A rotating Catch of the Day kissed by open fire
- Tomahawk Good for Two Humans and Probably More
- Masabacha of cranberry beans and crushed tomato seeds
- Chicken Schnitzel with sides including the playful “Marrow of a Dinosaur Bone”
Bar, lounge, and late-night energy
Naked Tomato is designed as more than a dinner reservation—it’s positioned as a high-energy dining experience with a full bar and lounge for cocktails, wine, and late-night bites. The beverage program is described as a natural extension of Shani’s philosophy: simple, vibrant, and built to enhance the foodrather than compete with it.
Design: part market, part kitchen, part dining room
Designed by Turjeman Yaakov of Jacob Turgeman Design, the space aims to blur the line between kitchen, market, and dining room. Expect an environment where produce, bread, wine, and everyday culinary objects are displayed openly, with textures like patinated metals, worn woods, stone-like walls, warm lighting, and greenery. Communal tables bring the buzz, while more intimate seating keeps it flexible for date nights and smaller groups.
Where it is, when it’s open, and how to book
Naked Tomato is located at Moxy South Beach, joining the property’s rooftop oasis, Serena.
- Dinner hours: Thursday–Saturday, 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
- Dinner hours: Sunday–Monday, 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Reservations: available on SevenRooms
- More info: https://nakedtomatousa.com
- Instagram: @nakedtomatousa
For South Beach visitors (and locals chasing something new), Naked Tomato is shaping up to be a destination for anyone who wants modern Israeli flavors, open-fire cooking, and a dining room that feels like the night is just getting started.
📰 Thanks for reading STM Daily News – your source for News You Can Use This Moment!
We love hearing from our readers. Share your thoughts in the comments section and join the conversation with our growing community. Your feedback helps us create the stories and features that matter most to you.
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Foodie News
illy Launches Art of Dining Series With Chef-Led Events Across Major U.S. Cities
illy has launched its Art of Dining Series, a year-long program pairing chef-led tasting menus with its signature coffee blend in major U.S. cities.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
illy is bringing coffee and fine dining together with its new Art of Dining Series, a year-long program featuring chef-led dining experiences in cities including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The series launched in March with a dinner at Boia De in Miami and will continue with curated events built around custom tasting menus inspired by illy’s signature blend. One of the upcoming stops is set for June in San Francisco at Wolfsbane, where illy Chef Ambassador Rupert Blease will create a menu inspired by his own bespoke illy blend.
The company says the program is designed to create immersive, in-person experiences that connect guests with the illy brand through flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. The launch also builds on illy’s broader gastronomy strategy, including its Chef Ambassador program and its role as the exclusive coffee partner of World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past four years.
Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illy is known for its 100% Arabica coffee blend and global presence in more than 140 countries.
Source: illycaffè via PR Newswire
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