Jerry Kolniak
Owner
Notini's Restaurant
Bossier City, LA


LRA State Chair's Message
from A La Carte, Spring 2008



Dear LRA Members,

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) has experienced steady and record-setting growth each and every year in the 15 years I have been a member. The LRA is so successful because of our membership and strong communication between the association and the 7,500 restaurants and suppliers.

We are an association primarily made up of independent restaurateurs with annual sales of typically $500,000, which employ 25-30 employees on a full and part-time basis. Essentially we are an industry of small businesses—the backbone of the state’s economy. From Junction City to Gueydan, Zwolle to Buras, the LRA represents the smallest restaurants to the largest and I’m proud to be in that number.

While the LRA’s three registered lobbyists and support staff are focused on representing the restaurant industry in the Louisiana Legislature, other LRA staff will be putting the finall touches on the Louisiana Foodservice EXPO, now in its 55th year.

The EXPO is another area we’ve seen tremendous success and growth. In 1980, the EXPO was on a serious decline with just 140 booths. In 2005, the EXPO experienced an all-time high with 550 booths and 16,000 attendees. The two shows that followed proved that the EXPO was back on track in light of the 2005 hurricanes. I’m confident this year’s EXPO will bring us closer to record-setting 2005.

The next few months will be busy ones for the LRA and I look forward to the rewards of all the hard work.