P.F. Chang’s Rolls Out “Summer in Tokyo,” Spotlighting Shareable Sushi and Tableside Drama

P.F. Chang’s is leaning into experience-driven dining this summer with "Summer in Tokyo," a limited-time program running June 25 through Sept. 15 that combines shareable sushi, theatrical presentation and influencer marketing.

At the center of the promotion is the new Sushi Boat, a tableside presentation delivered under a cloud of dry ice to create a memorable, social-ready moment. Designed for sharing, each boat includes chilled edamame, a California Roll, a Shrimp Tempura Roll and a choice of two additional...

The Retail Rundown: Independence Day Demand Meets Rising Cookout Costs

After weeks of demand shaped by Memorial Day and Father’s Day, retailers are now preparing for the final major grilling holiday of the summer: Independence Day. For meat departments, the Fourth of July represents the last significant opportunity to capture peak grilling demand before the slower midsummer period begins.

This year’s holiday arrives with favorable calendar dynamics. Falling on a Saturday, July 4th creates a full holiday weekend expected to encourage extended celebrations and larger gatherings. For grocers, that translates into a critical window to drive volume and strengthen...

The Retail Rundown: Father’s Day Grilling Highlights Resilient Spending and Selective Buying

For Father’s Day weekend 2026, retailers are leaning heavily into the holiday’s long-standing grilling tradition. This year’s promotions are taking place against a backdrop of persistent inflation and a consumer who remains willing to spend on special occasions despite pressure on household budgets.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Father’s Day spending is projected to reach a record $27.9 billion. Consumers plan to spend an average of $226.58 per person, even as many households contend with higher costs for utilities and other everyday expenses...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Shifts Toward Father’s Day Grilling Demand

Cold and wet weather across several regions of the country dampened Memorial Day grilling plans, likely creating a softer-than-anticipated kickoff to the unofficial start of the summer grilling season.

Attention is now quickly turning toward the next major grilling occasions of the summer—Father’s Day and the Fourth of July holiday period. These seasonal events historically begin to influence demand patterns for grilling staples such as bellies, loins, ribs, and steaks. 

Following Memorial Day, protein promotions have shifted more heavily toward seafood, which now accounts...

Friendly’s Rolls Out Summer Menus, Expanded Drinks and Value Updates to Drive Seasonal Traffic

Friendly’s is rolling out a slate of seasonal menu updates and value-focused offerings designed to drive traffic as summer begins, combining limited-time items, expanded beverages and refreshed in-store value options.

“At Friendly’s, summer is all about families and friends coming together to enjoy a mix of tradition and something new, whether that’s a lobster roll, a fun drink or a simple meal that fits the day,” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants. “This menu brings...

FSIS Issues Health Alert for Misbranded Giovanni Rana Ravioli Over Undeclared Shellfish Allergens

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for certain ravioli products due to misbranding and undeclared shellfish allergens.

The alert covers 32-ounce packages of “Giovanni Rana RANA Rustic Beef Sauce & Creamy Burrata Cheese Ravioli,” which may actually contain shrimp-filled ravioli in lobster sauce. Neither shrimp nor lobster—both major shellfish allergens—are listed on the label.

The products were produced between March 10 and April 21, 2026, with “use by” dates ranging from...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions

This week in retail, attention is focused on Lent and the broader economic landscape, with inflation back in the spotlight following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release. Although overall inflation showed signs of cooling, food costs continue to edge higher on a monthly basis, keeping value messaging front and center as grocers work to attract price-sensitive consumers.

With the Christian Lenten season now underway, retailers are pivoting quickly. The 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption among Catholics is traditionally a tailwind for seafood, and grocers are leaning into features and promotional pricing to capture traffic...

Seasonal Menu Trends and Promotions Shaping Valentine’s and Lent in Foodservice

The ever-changing landscape of marketable events has shifted from the holidays, and the foodservice industry is now focusing on winter and spring specials.

With Valentine’s Day approaching and Lent on the horizon, restaurants are preparing seasonal menus that balance indulgent treats with meat- and seafood-focused options, keeping consumers engaged from mid-February through spring.

Expana's experts have collaborated to provide a price index for customers in both the United States and Europe. Expana's US Valentine's Meal Index, which includes beef tenderloin, lobster tail...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Valentine’s Protein Features as Lobster Prices Ease

Beef tops protein feature volume this week, accounting for 25.1% of ad space. Seafood follows at 23.6%, with pork at 23.1% and chicken at 22.1%. Egg promotions fell to just 2% of total protein ads, down four points from the prior week amid softening retail demand.

Steaks dominate Valentine’s beef promotions, representing 40% of all beef features. Ribeyes, T-bones, and boneless strip filets lead the lineup, and all at sizable premiums compared to last year.

According to Expana’s US Valentine’s Day Index, tenderloin prices have eased month-over-month...

Kroger Anchors Valentine’s Day Strategy Around Fresh Surf & Turf Offers

For consumers celebrating Valentine's Day at home, surf and turf remains a go-to meal solution, and Kroger is leaning into the occasion with BOGO promotions and limited-time offers across meat, seafood and other complementary categories.

"Quality ingredients are the foundation of any romantic dinner and Kroger consistently delivers on quality and affordability," said Carlo Baldan, Group Vice President of Fresh Merchandising at Kroger. "Our meat and seafood counters feature premium cuts and fresh selections that feel like a night out...

P.F. Chang's Unveils Limited-Time Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Menu

P.F. Chang's is embracing the spirit of love with a special Valentine's Day offering, a limited-time prix fixe menu available from February 12 through February 16 at participating locations nationwide.

For $89.99, guests can savor a five-course dinner for two, combining P.F. Chang's beloved classics with exciting new dishes. (Note: Pricing at New York City's Union Square and Honolulu, HI locations is set at $99.99).

"P.F. Chang's is a place where great food sets the tone for a...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #32."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.

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This week, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...

The Retail Rundown: Summer’s Last Stretch Drives Seasonal Promotions

August has arrived, bringing a sense of urgency to make the most of summer’s final weeks. With Labor Day fewer than four weeks away and just seven weeks remaining until the season’s official end, retailers are already diving into back-to-school promotions.

Seafood claims the top spot among protein features again this week, making up 30.3% of all retail ads, followed by beef at 26.2%, pork at 20.8%, and chicken at 18.9%. Egg promotions remain minimal, comprising less than 1% of features—consistent with last week’s light showing. The Midwest led in egg advertising, while the Northeast and South Central regions showed more moderate activity...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Edges Out Seafood in Weekly Protein Features

Beef narrowly edged out seafood for the top spot in retail protein promotions this week, making up 25.9% of all featured items. Seafood was a close second at 25.3%, while pork and chicken each accounted for about 23%. Eggs represented roughly 2% of ads, and turkey dipped below 1%.

Beef steaks remained a premium grilling choice, averaging $14.21 per pound last week. Seafood also led on price, with fresh salmon reaching as high as $17.24 per pound in some regions...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...

This week, reciprocal tariffs were re-announced in the form of letters from the US Trump administration to trading partners who could not reach a trade deal within the previously granted 90-day pause...