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...

Pizza Hut Taps the Backstreet Boys for a Heart-Shaped Slice of Nostalgia

Pizza Hut is tugging on millennial heartstrings this Valentine’s Day with its latest partnership featuring Backstreet Boys icons Nick Carter and Howie Dorough.

"Looking back on the things they’ve done," the duo returns to "show us the shape of their heart" with the launch of The Shape of My Heart-Shaped Pizza.

The group recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their five-time Grammy-nominated album Millennium and continues to win over fans across generations through their Las...

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...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Market Drivers from Trade Developments to Seasonal Trends

From major trade developments and tariff shifts to supply chain warnings and seasonal demand trends, Expana’s top ten stories this week capture the forces shaping global commodity and trade markets. This roundup highlights the most impactful moves, from US trade diplomacy and USMCA advocacy to Valentine’s Day price dynamics. In no particular order:

10.Turkish glass company Sisecam has started commissioning its first European glass packaging facility in Kaposvár, Hungary, with the first furnace set to begin test production. The facility...

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...

Vaseline and Red Lobster Unite for Valentine's Day Kissing Booth Experience

This Valentine's Day, an unexpected partnership is making its debut.

Vaseline and Red Lobster are teaming up to introduce the Vaseline® x Red Lobster Kissing Booth.

Though the collaboration might seem surprising at first, it's grounded in a timeless Valentine's Day truth. Red Lobster has long been a favorite for romantic evenings, celebrated for its indulgent dishes and intimate atmosphere.

Conversely, Vaseline® Limited Edition Valentine's Day Lip Therapy® is the perfect companion when those special moments lead to a...

Papa Murphy’s Brings Back the HeartBaker Pizza and Sweetheart of a Deal for Valentine’s Day 2026

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza is spreading the love this Valentine’s Day with the return of the HeartBaker Pizza. The beloved seasonal favorite is perfectly shaped like a heart and ready to bake at home from Feb. 1st through 14th, 2026.

Made with Papa Murphy’s signature scratch-made dough, whole-milk mozzarella, and traditional red sauce, the HeartBaker Pizza lets guests choose their favorite, cheese or pepperoni, for a Valentine’s Day treat that’s fun to bake...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Movement Gains from Championship Game and Severe Weather 

February is typically a sluggish period for protein sales, but demand tied to the season’s championship football matchup is delivering a timely lift for retailers. As shoppers prepare for watch parties and at-home gatherings, meat cases are seeing an uptick in interest for value-oriented, crowd-friendly cuts.

This week’s promotional mix leans toward beef, which accounts for 26% of total features. Seafood follows closely at 25%, while pork represents 24%. Chicken promotions eased to 17.5%, and egg features held steady at 4%. Turkey ads account for 2% of total ads, led by ground turkey features...

Valentine’s Day Dining Trends Show Shift Beyond Romance According to OpenTable

Restaurants are gearing up for the next major dining holiday: Valentine’s Day.

According to global restaurant tech company OpenTable, this year the industry continues to see a shift as consumers celebrate more than just romantic relationships. From friendships to family and self-love, Valentine’s Day is becoming more inclusive, and restaurants are at the center of it.

"Gen-Z is leading the charge in making Valentine's Day more inclusive," said Cheryl Paniagua, VP of Restaurant Sales & Services at OpenTable.

The data shows that 60%...