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Association Updates Archives
(03/03/2008)Congratulations to West St. John High School's Lindy Reeves who was named Louisiana ProStart Educator of the Year! Reeves has been teaching the ProStart curriculum for three years and is an advocate for her program garnering support from the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter.
(02/25/2008) The LRA Education Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 7th Annual ProStart Culinary Competition is Hammond High School led by by teacher Patti Johnson and students Ashley Geiser, Jacob Carson, Patrick Loyd and Nicole Wagner.
The second place team was Mandeville High School and the third place team was Fontainbleau High School.
The winner of the 7th Annual ProStart Management Quiz Bowl Competition was Mandeville High School led by teacher Carolyn Senac and students Jonathan Manning, Nathan Hill and Michael Francinges.
The second place team was Grace King High School and the third place team was Hammond High School.
(02/15/2008) The 7th Annual ProStart Competition will be held Feb. 21-22 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Click here for more on the ProStart Competition.
Click here to learn how you can sponsor ProStart students from across Louisiana, or your area, to compete in the Crescent City!
(01/12/08) Effective December 26, 2007, all employers must use a revised I-9 form for all new hires. It will not be necessary to complete new forms for existing employees with a valid I-9 form currently on file.
(01/10/08) The LRA is proud to announce that its President/CEO Jim Funk received the first-ever Will Mangham Lifetime Achievement in Tourism Award today at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel during the Louisiana Travel & Tourism Summit closing luncheon.
Congratulations Jim! You deserve it!
(01/01/2008) Happy New Year from the Louisiana Restaurant Association! The LRA offices will reopen Wednesday, January 1, 2008.
(12/21/07) The LRA offices will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The offices will be open Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 28.
(12/14/07) The LRA was named the 4th Best Place to Work in the small business category today at the New Orleans CityBusiness honoree luncheon at the Sheraton on Canal Street.
(12/10/07) Effective December 26, 2007, all employers must use a revised I-9 form for all new hires. It will not be necessary to complete new forms for existing employees with a valid I-9 form currently on file.
As of December 26, 2007, employers who fail to use the revised form will be subject to applicable penalties.
(12/10/07) Remember, you can download all mandated workplace posters FREE at www.laworks.net, under the "Downloads" section of the home page. Click on the link for "Mandated Posters" to view the complete list.
(12/4/07) The Louisiana Restaurant Association Self Insurer’s Fund (LRA/SIF) board of trustees recently voted to return a dividend of $4.6 million to members in 2008.
For the 20th consecutive year, the board has reviewed the financial stability of the LRA/SIF and concluded that there is a surplus of $4.6 million in unused premium and interest income that can be returned to members without jeopardizing the fund.
This surplus will be returned to eligible participants in April 2008.
The LRA/SIF has cumulatively returned more than $81 million in dividends and safety rewards to eligible members over the years—-more than any other workers’ compensation provider in the state.
For more information on this LRA benefit or a free workers’ compensation quote, call (504) 454-2277 or (800) 256-4572.
(12/3/07) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that a revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) is now available for use. All employers are required to complete a Form I-9 for each employee hired in the United States. Click here for the new form.
(11/1/07) The LRA was named one of the 50 Best Places to Work by the weekly publication New Orleans CityBusiness. More specifically, the LRA was named one of the top 15 Best Places to Work in the small business category.
This year’s honorees were selected based on employee interviews, employee benefits and overall work environment. This is a tremendous honor for the LRA.
Congratulations to LRA members also included in the list: Dickie Brennan & Company; Hilton N.O. Riverside Hotel; Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group; and Johnson Johnson Barrios and Yacoubian, the LRA counsel for business and governmental affairs.
(10/19/07) The Louisiana Restaurant Association has a new endorsed program for Employment Practices Liability Insurance in conjunction with Insurance Underwriters Ltd. Click here for details.
Protect your company against damages for events relating to your workforce, including but not limited to; wrongful terminations; harassment; discrimination; defamation and unfair hiring/firing practices; and provides defense costs associated with responding to employment related lawsuits. Additional coverage for claims of harassment or discrimination brought by a Third Party such as a customer, vendor, service provider or client is specifically included.
(10/09/07) Attention Associate Members: Make sure you're included in the 2008 LRA Buyer's Guide! It is important to check your current listing and fill out the Associate Member Category Form and return it to the LRA office by October 31, 2007. Please fax form to (504) 454-2299.
(10/01/07) The Director of Education for the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation has been filled at this time.
(08/21/07) As the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the number of retail food establishments in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard Parishes are reopening in pace with the recovery in those areas. To view the breakdown by parish, please click here.
(08/16/07) Louisiana Restaurant Association 1976 Past President William Murrell died August 9 at the age of 76. An active member of the LRA for many years, Murrell was owner of two A&W Rootbeer Restaurants; co-owner of Contraband Catfish Galley; co-owner of M&A Restaurant Supply; and owner of Lake Charles Restaurant Equipment Sales.
Murrell was a strong advocate for the LRA, the Louisiana restaurant industry and encouraged members to take an active role in the state’s legislative process.
(08/09/07) Ema Haq, owner of Bailey's Seafood and Grill and Ema's Restaurant in Lafayette, received the 2007 Louisiana Restaurant Association's "Restaurateur of the Year" award at the annual Chairman's Reception and Grand Awards Banquet on August 5 in New Orleans. To view the press release, click here.
(08/08/07) As the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the number of retail food establishments in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard Parishes are reopening in pace with the recovery in those areas. To view the breakdown by parish, please click here.
(8/07/07) The 54th Annual Louisiana Foodservice EXPO was attended by more than 13,300 restaurant industry owners, managers and employees from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The LRA is making great strides in growing attendance and exhibitions to pre-Katrina levels. The show was a great success!
A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for their generous support: Benfield, CapitalOne, CONCO, Glazer's Companies of Louisiana, Republic National Distributing Company and The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.
(8/03/07) The Louisiana Restaurant Association hosts the 54th Annual Louisiana Foodservice EXPO, August 4, 5 & 6, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. More than 14,000 restaurant owners, managers, hoteliers, dieticians, and bar and tavern owners, are expected to attend from the Gulf Coast region. Read more
(7/24/07) The federal minimum wage will increase to $5.85 today. Congress did not raise the minimum cash wage for tipped employees which will remain at $2.13 an hour in Louisiana. The tip credit a restaurant owner claims will increase to $3.72 from $3.02 on July 24, 2007. To download a new minimum wage workplace poster click here.
(7/20/07) The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) donated $40,000 to the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation to support the ProStart program and the construction of teaching kitchens planned at Grace King and John Ehret High Schools in the New Orleans area. This donation adds to nearly $1.5 million ISRI members donated to relief agencies in the weeks following Hurricane Katrina.
(7/11/07) The federal minimum wage will increase to $5.85 on July 24, 2007. Congress did not raise the minimum cash wage for tipped employees which will remain at $2.13 an hour in Louisiana. The tip credit a restaurant owner claims will increase to $3.72 from $3.02 on July 24, 2007. To download a new minimum wage workplace poster click here.
(7/06/07) Join an online demo with Fishbowl Marketing, our newest member benefit. Learn how to keep your customers coming back with Fishbowl. Join this free webinar, and see how easy it is to create your own email marketing campaign. Pick a date and time that’s convenient for you: Monday, July 16 at 2:00 PM ET or Tuesday, July 17 at 4:00 PM ET. Register online today!
(6/27/07) Congress didn’t raise the minimum cash wage for tipped employees, which is $2.13 an hour for employers in Louisiana. As of July 24, 2007, the tip credit will increase from $3.02 to $3.72. On July 24, 2008, the tip credit will jump to $4.42, and finally on July 24, 2009 it will increase to $5.12.
(6/11/07) Hand washing signs are NOT a requirement in the Louisiana Public Health Sanitary Code. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has issued a press release involving a sign scam across the state. Click here to read the release. You do not need to purchase the signs, but if you would like to post this sign, click here to download your free copy courtesy of the Louisiana Restaurant Association.
(5/31/07) Make plans to attend the first New Orleans Seafood Festival June 8, 9 & 10 in the French Quarter at the Old U.S. Mint. The festival was established to draw visitors to the French Quarter when there is traditionally a lull in tourism. For a list of participating restaurants and the musical lineup visit: www.neworleansseafoodfestival.com.
(5/31/07) The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA) is accepting submission's for the 2007-2008 Official Louisiana Tour Guide. The deadline to be included is June 29, 2007. For information, contact the LTPA at (225)346-1857.
(5/30/07) President Bush signed the federal minimum wage bill into law Friday, May 25 as part of the Iraq Supplemental spending bill. Although DOL has yet to put out an official date, labor law professionals are advising that July 24, 2007 (60 days after the President's signature) will be the official date of the first of three 70-cent step increases. Based on this date, here is the comprehensive wage increase schedule we anticipate: July 24, 2007 - $5.85; July 24, 2008 - $6.55; and July 24, 2009 - $7.25.
(5/29/07) Reserve your room at the 54th Annual Louisiana Foodservice EXPO's host hotel, the Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center, by calling (504) 613-2888 or (800) 305-6342. EXPO dates are August 4, 5 & 6th in New Orleans! You can reserve online by clicking here.
(5/24/07) If you are in a hurricane-impacted area, are reopening, but reported zero percent sales tax to the Alcohol Tobacco Control for 2006, you may be subject to a physical inspection. If this is your case, please contact the LRA Communications Department at (504) 454-2277.
(5/21/07) LRA President/CEO Jim Funk was inducted into the National Restaurant Association & NRA Education Foundation’s College of Diplomates during the NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show Salute to Excellence Gala, Saturday, May 19 in Chicago. Funk is the first state restaurant association executive to receive this honor and join the ranks of fellow Louisianans Emeril Lagasse, Ella Brennan, Paul Prudhomme, John Folse and Ralph Brennan.
(5/16/07) Louisiana Agriculture Secretary Bob Odom issued a statement this week on a virus detected in some Louisiana crawfish farms which may threaten production, but will not harm humans. White spot disease can kill crustaceans such as crawfish, shrimp and crab.
(4/11/07) The LRA distributed grants to 618 individuals totaling $201,600 through the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. The fund was formed following Hurricane Katrina to help displaced workers return to work in New Orleans.
(4/10/07) The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Bob Odom added China to the list of countries that must test seafood for a banned substance, antibiotic fluoroquinolones, before it can be sold in Louisiana. Testing is not permitted in the country of origin.
(4/9/07) In an effort to generate summer tourist dollars, officials have announced the first New Orleans Seafood Festival (June 8-10) to attract business to the French Quarter at a time when there is usually a lull in tourism.
(4/13/07) The Louisiana Restaurant Association and Fishbowl Marketing host a FREE Webinar "Email Marketing: Increase Sales and Customer Loyalty," Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 3 p.m. Don't miss this customer traffic-building opportunity from the convenience of your office. Email: rsvp@fishbowl.com and indicate "Louisiana Restaurant Association Webinar" in the subject line and include your e-mail address to receive registration information. For more information contact Colby Cooper at (800) 836-2818 ext. 182 or email ccooper@fishbowl.com.
(3/16/07) Hand washing signs are NOT a requirement in the Louisiana Public Health Sanitary Code. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has issued a press release involving a sign scam across the state. Click here to read the release. You do not need to purchase the signs, but if you would like to post this sign, click here to download your free copy courtesy of the Louisiana Restaurant Association.
(12/07/06) According to Louisiana Law, permanent self-serve buffets across the state must now post signs encouraging patrons to wash thier hands before serving themselves and to use a clean plate for each trip to the buffet. The LRA has worked with the Department of Health and Hospitals to develop the official language for these required signs. To download and print a copy of this required sign, click here.
(11/06/06) The National Association of Realtors is bringing the largest convention to the New Orleans area since Hurricane Katrina. Between 25,000 and 30,000 attendees are coming, so the LRA sent out information to our members with projections so they could prepare for the influx of people to the city. Click here to see the projected attendees for each meal period while the Realtors are in town.
(11/06/06) The deadline for submitting complete applications for the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is December 31, 2006. For a copy of the application, click here.
(09/29/06) The LRA recently began compiling information for the 2007 Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide, one of the most useful publications for members of the association. It is important to check your current listing and fill out the Buyer's Guide Category Selection form and return it to the LRA office. Even if you’ve submitted this information in the past, you must send it again in order for the guide to have the most up-to-date listings possible. All forms must be received by December 31, 2006.
(09/29/06) The LRA/SIF has released the 2005 annual report. Click here to view.
(09/07/06) The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance will host a "Straight Talk Career Enhancement Symposium" titled "Face the Challenges...Build the Future" at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on October 4-5. There is no charge for this event for members of LRA on a first-come, first-serve basis! Please visit www.mfha.net for more information.
(08/15/06) The DHH has given us new recertification lists for businesses that sell food in Orleans and Jefferson Parishs. As per these latest numbers, 66% of Jefferson Parish retail food establishments, 34% for Orleans Parish, and 46% total metro establishments have been recertified to open.
Click here for an updated list for Orleans Parish. (08/15)
Click here for an updated list of Jefferson Parish. (08/15)
(06/26/06) Louisiana residents seeking to restore lives upset by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can now call (877) LA-Rebuilds. This toll free number, like the www.LouisianaRebuilds.info web portal, connects Louisiana residents displaced by hurricanes and floods to reliable information about rebuilding efforts and available resources. The addition of the call center gives residents two ways to access this vital information: online and offline, and is available 24 hours a day.
(06/12/06) The LRA Education Foundation’s Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is still offering financial assistance to qualifying restaurant workers who suffered financial hardships from returning to work after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Please click here to download and complete the application form.
(04/11/06) If your restaurant would like to have a share of future emergency catering contracts, please click here to complete this form and become a part of the new Louisiana Emergency Supplier Network established by the Office of State Purchasing. If you have any questions, please call the LRA Communications Department.
(01/30/06) Even five months after the storms passed through Louisiana, we haven't been able to contact some of our members by mail or phone. If you are an LRA member that we have not been in contact with since the storms, please call or email us at the LRA office to let us know your situation. We want to help you in any way possible.
(01/27/06) The LRA is co-sponsoring another Hospitality Job Fair with the Louisiana Department of Labor (DOL) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Participation is free for LRA members and there are just a few more spots open. LRA members who would like to participate should e-mail Info@LRA.org.
(01/13/06) The Louisiana Restaurant Association will hold a press briefing on next Thursday, January 19, at the Media Center on the first floor of the Sheraton Hotel on Canal St. in New Orleans at 3 p.m. This will be a positive, but realistic, presentation of the state of the restaurant industry in post-Katrina New Orleans. Our goal is to get the word out through the media that New Orleans' world-famous restaurants are up and running and inviting visitors to return to the city.
(01/11/06) Many thanks to the following organizations for their recent generous contributions to our Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF): Auto-Chlor Services, Sante Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta and Share Our Strength. For more information on the fund, click on the RERF icon under the “News” banner on the LRA home page.
(01/05/06) Congratulations to Crescent Crown Distributing for their return to their New Orleans East facility at 5900 Almonaster Blvd. Their main switchboard phone number is 504-240-5900. It is a great boost for the effort to revitalize New Orleans to see companies like Crescent Crown reinvesting in New Orleans East!
(01/04/06) Special thanks are due to Community Coffee Company, which will donate the proceeds from the grand opening of its CC’s Coffee House at 70380 Hwy. 21 in Covington to the LRA Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF). The Grand Opening will take place on Friday, January 6. The RERF was established by the LRA to help pay expenses to return displaced workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina and/or Hurricane Rita. For more information about the fund, or to submit an application, click on the RERF icon under the “News” banner on the LRA home page.
(12/28/05) Lt. Governor Landrieu invites everyone to Louisiana Rebirth: An Interfaith Celebration in the shadows of the Louisiana Superdome on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2006. Religious leaders from throughout Louisiana will lead an hour-long service that will feature the voices of evacuees, first responders, musicians, artists and children whose lives were interrupted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The musical program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the Interfaith Celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m.
(12/22/05) Late yesterday we received an e-mail from Debbie Pierce, co-owner with her husband Wayne Pierce of The Bon Ton Cafe, one of the great restaurants in New Orleans that has been impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Her e-mail so wonderfully expressed the entrepreneurial spirit of restaurateurs in South Louisiana that have faced such extreme challenges, we asked her permission to reproduce it. Click here to read this inspiring message.
(12/09/05) Culinary Concierge Magazine and Community Coffee have launched their CulCard (pronounced ‘cool card’) promotion that will run from December 15, 2005 until August 29, 2006. Proceeds from the CulCards will go to benefit the LRA Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. In addition to discounts at CC's Coffee Houses, CulCards are also good at select fine dining restaurants for lagniappe rewards. See the list of participating restaurants here.
(12/08/05) For those restaurateurs with employees who might be interested in housing on the Empire State, the maritime vessel docked at the 7th Street Wharf, please be advised that beginning next week, space may be limited. Secretary Angele Davis of the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism has informed us that a large number of displaced public workers will be transferred to the vessel soon. Encourage your workers to fill out the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Vessel Berthing Registration form and return it to the LRA by e-mail to tomw@lra.org or by fax at (504) 454-2299.
(12/08/05) There was a great segment featuring Emeril Lagasse and the reopening of his flagship New Orleans restaurant, Emeril’s, on ABC’s “Good Morning America” this morning. It was a wonderful feature – one of the most positive pieces that we’ve seen on New Orleans since the storm. Emeril’s restaurant in the Warehouse District opens tonight to much fanfare. Congratulations to Emeril for the reopening of his restaurant and for the excellent feature on “Good Morning America!”
(12/02/05) The Louisiana Restaurant Association is hosting an open meeting with FEMA Assistance Officers and officials for the Department of Homeland Security. When: Thursday, December 8, 2006 at 9 a.m. Where: Marriott Hotel at 555 Canal St., Bissonet – Third Floor. FEMA will discuss grants and services and how employers can assist their employees in receiving housing and benefits. There will be time for questions and answers following the FEMA presentation. This will be an open forum that we have put together with several other business groups attending as well.
(12/01/05) More good news! Arnaud's Restaurant at 813 Bienville St. in the New Orleans French Quarter will be reopening officially at 6 p.m. this afternoon. Congratulations to Archie, Jane & Katy Casbarian and all their staff for their re-opening.
(11/29/05) The Louisiana Seafood Promotion Board has forwarded us a statement for restaurants that serve Louisiana seafood. We have formatted the statement in the form of a bulletin that can be posted for customers to read. Click here to download the PDF that can be printed. In this statement, state health experts proclaim that there is no need for concern with contamination from Katrina’s flood waters and that despite extensive testing, no fish consumption advisories have been issued.
(11/28/05) The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism (CRT) has informed the LRA of temporary housing that is available immediately. The Empire State maritime vessel, which is docked along the Mississippi River in New Orleans, can house up to 450 hospitality industry workers in dormitory-style housing. Three meals a day are provided to those living on the ship, and linens and towels are changed weekly. There is no cost to employees who choose to live on the ship; however, the accommodations are only for single industry workers who qualify for temporary housing through FEMA. The space will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up for housing on the Empire State, fill out the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Vessel Berthing Registration form and return it to the LRA by e-mail to tomw@lra.org or by fax at (504) 454-2299. For alternative housing options, visit the CRT Web site.
(11/22/05) Two restaurants of note have informed us that they will be re-opening soon in the New Orleans area. The Court of Two Sisters on Royal St. in the French Quarter will be re-opening the week after Thanksgiving and Ruth’s Chris Steak House will be re-opening its Metairie location on Veterans Blvd. on December 5.
(11/21/05) Good news for New Orleans restaurants. The Culinary Institute of New Orleans (CINO) is open. Students and customers are welcomed back to the city’s first and only nationally accredited Culinary Institute. Due to damages sustained, the Institute has relocated to 2040 St. Charles Avenue (the former site of the Red Room and Eiffel Tower). To help rebuild our community, students from other culinary programs closed by Katrina are offered teach-out services to complete their education at the Culinary Institute of New Orleans. Continuous enrollment is offered, meaning students may start class the same day enrollment is complete. Financial Aid (Pell Grants, Student Loans, VA Benefits) and scholarships are available to those who qualify. For more information call (504) 525-2433.
(11/16/05) Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism are periodically updating a very interesting collection of information about the hospitality industry and the Post-Katrina Louisiana economy. Click here to see the latest information from the Lt. Governor's office.
(11/15/05) The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (CRT) has asked us to advise our membership that Corporate Lodging Consultants (CLC) is a contractor of the United States government and is not a direct agent. Therefore, after extensive discussions with FEMA, they have advised that CLC is not tax exempt and is required to pay occupancy and all other associated taxes for those hotel/motel rooms that CLC administers payment for, including housing of displaced citizens. This clarification from FEMA is another very important step toward the recovery of our state's second largest industry – tourism. It will allow us to invest approximately $4.5 million per month in important local and state tourism and economic development programs. Please contact CRT Secretary Angele Davis' office at (225) 342-8115 if you have any questions or concerns.
(11/11/05) Click here to read a letter sent out to Governor Kathleen Blanco from CEO Jim Funk on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Restaurant Association.
(11/11/05) Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, the LRA General Counsel, has provided us with a “Quick Reference Guide to Labor and Employment Issues Caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita." Click here to view the guide, which addresses various post-hurricane issues, as well as their solutions.
(11/08/05) The Small Business Administration today launched a new program entitled Gulf Opportunity Loan Pilot Program – or Go Loan. This program will attempt to leverage local lending institutions to expedite small business financing for loans up to $150,000. The goal is to be able to quickly qualify applications and give businesses a response within 24-hours. For an overview of the program, click here. For more details about the program, visit the SBA website here.
(11/07/05) Many thanks to Bill Goldring, owner of Republic Beverage Company, for his generous contribution from the Goldring Family Foundation to the LRA Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Click here for a picture of Mr. Goldring with LRA CEO Jim Funk. The LRA/RERF is administered through the LRA Education Foundation (LRAEF), a 501(c)3 Louisiana corporation. Any contribution is 100% tax deductible. (Federal Tax ID # 72-1318297) To donate to this fund, make checks payable to LRAEF - Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and mail to: LRAEF, 2700 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie LA 70002-5916. For more information about this fund, email LRA_Relief@LRA.org. The purpose of the fund is to help pay expenses to return displaced workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina and/or Hurricane Rita.
(11/07/05) The LRA extends its thanks to New Orleans restaurant critic Tom Fitzmorris for promoting the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund through his Eat Club, on his radio program and on his Web site, www.nomenu.com. Mr. Fitzmorris has already made a contribution to the RERF with donations collected from Eat Club members.
(11/07/05) Louisiana seafood is safe to eat! According to environmental and health officials of the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, there is currently no need for additional advisories concerning the quality of seafood in the Hurricane Katrina-affected area, which includes the coastal waters and estuaries from New Orleans to Gulf Shores, AL, including Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tested seafood, water and sediment collected in coastal and Gulf of Mexico marine waters following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and deemed the seafood safe.
(11/07/05) Eric Linquist of Emeril’s Homebase informs us that Emeril’s at 800 Tchoupitoulas St. will be reopening December 8 and that their NOLA Restaurant at 534 St. Louis St. will be reopening December 13.
(11/04/05) The LRA is co-sponsoring a Hospitality Job Fair with the Louisiana Department of Labor (DOL) next Tuesday, November 8. The DOL will transport the applicants to the job fair from Baton Rouge. As of this morning, there were 25 employers signed up to participate. The job fair will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street. Click here for more information.
(11/04/05) Procter & Gamble and Folgers Coffee have informed the LRA that they will be bringing in a Tide Truck that will be able to wash and dry up to 600 loads of laundry a day. The Tide Truck will be coming to the New Orleans area to offer a laundry service at the end of next week and will be moving to various locations. This laundry service will be offered to families that do not have access to a washing machine and dryer. Each family will be limited to two loads, and the service is absolutely FREE. If you have employees who will be interested in this service, please contact Pam St. Pierre at the LRA office for further details. We know that these are challenging times for you and your employees and we would like to provide you with as many resources as possible.
(10/31/05) An emergency intercity bus system, LA Swift, provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana Department of Labor kicked off Monday morning. LA Swift is a free Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans transportation system designed for displaced residents which will operate seven days a week and initially will make seven round-trips a day. LA Swift is a 15-day pilot program funded by FEMA. If you have any employees in the Baton Rouge area and are looking for daily transportation to New Orleans, please let them know about LA Swift. Click here for more information.
(10/26/05) The LRA is sponsoring a free seminar to help businesses to document and quantify losses related to business interruption insurance claims. The seminar will be jointly presented by Philip Monteleone of Bourgeois Bennett, L.L.C., the auditors and consultants of the LRA, and by Konrad Jackson of the Baton Rouge law firm of Jackson and Jackson. We will discuss methods in developing claim losses and identifying common pitfalls when calculating business interruption claims. Questions will be taken during and after the presentations. It will take place Monday, October 31, 2005 from 9:00AM – 10:30AM at the Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center, 1201 Convention Center Blvd. Please RSVP no later than Friday, October 28 to Pam St. Pierre at 504.454.2277, ext 512 or via e-mail at pams@LRA.org.
(10/24/05) Good news for New Orleans tourism! The American Library Association (ALA) has confirmed that it will hold their 2006 Annual Conference in New Orleans in June. The meeting is expected to draw 20,000 visitors to the city. Read their statement by clicking here.
(10/20/05) Loop Linen is offering a supply of free clean-up rags to New Orleans area restaurants while supplies lasts. Call Mike Morris at (504) 341-3401, extention 26 for more information.
(10/17/05) Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and the Louisiana Office of Economic Development (LED) have announced the Louisiana Bridge Loan Program. Loans are available interest-free for 180 days and range from $25,000 to $5,000. To get more information and to download an application, click here to visit the LED's website.
(10/13/05) The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) has opened the first Greater New Orleans Area business recovery center at 5210 W. Esplanade in Metairie. Click here to see their announcement.
(10/07/05) In Orleans Parish, the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is now issuing pink placards to the restaurants that have been approved to reopen. The DHH is asking restaurants to keep the placards posted till January. The DHH will be issuing pink placards to the restaurants that have the yellow (boil water order) placards this weekend.
(10/06/05) The City of New Orleans has announced that the east bank now has drinkable water. Click here for their announcement. The Department of Health and Hospitals has now lifted their boil water order for east bank New Orleans that is west of the Industrial Canal. The official DHH statement can be found here.
(10/06/05) The LRA is providing information packets for restaurants planning to reopen in the Lake Charles area after Hurricane Rita. These “Hurricane Assistance” packets can be picked up from Kevin Hester at Peppers restaurant, 545 W. Prien Lake Road, in Lake Charles. All restaurants that are returning to the Southwest area of the state that plan to reopen are encouraged to pick up a packet, free of charge.
(10/05/05) Applications are now available for the LRA’s Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (LRA/RERF). Click here to download the application in PDF form. The purpose of the fund is to help pay expenses to return displaced workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina and/or Hurricane Rita. The LRA/RERF will be administered through the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) which is a 501(c)3. Any contribution is 100% tax deductible. (Federal Tax ID # 72-1318297) To donate to this fund, make checks payable to LRAEF - Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and mail to: LRAEF, 2700 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie LA 70002-5916. For more information about this fund, email LRA_Relief@LRA.org.
(10/05/05) The LRA's CPA and auditing firm, Bourgeois Bennett, has forwarded us important information concerning the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA). Click here to see this PDF document. Eric Fullmer, Bourgeois Bennett's Audit Director, and Ted Stacey, their Director of Tax Services, have a lot of valuable information for restaurants affected by these disasters. They can be reached at (504) 831-4949.
(10/05/05) As of this morning, the U.S. Post Office still reports the suspension of Standard Mail (Letters and Flats) and Periodicals Mail remains in effect for New Orleans area ZIP Codes 701 and 706 and the following 5-Digit ZIP Codes in 700: 70038, 70040, 70041, 70043, 70050, 70075, 70082, 70083, 70085, 70091, 70092.
(10/03/05) The Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is requesting restaurants affected by Hurricane Rita to call the local parish health unit for a limited inspection before they reopen. If the DHH has already visited your establishment since Hurricane Rita you do not have to call your local health unit. In Allen Parish, call 337/639-4186 or 318/335-1147. In Beauregard Parish, call 337/463-4486 or 337/463-4487, In Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, call 337/475-3200. In Jefferson Davis Parish, call 337/824-2193 or 337/824-2194. In Iberia Parish, call 337/373-0021. And, in Vermilion Parish, call 337/893-1443.
(10/03/05) Calcasieu Parish Officials have issued an executive order requiring all individuals and businesses performing services in the parish to obtain a temporary work permit. The order requires businesses to provide documentation including certificates of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. The permits will be available at the Parish Government buildings at 1015 Pithon Street in Lake Charles from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays.
(10/03/05) In a meeting on Friday concerning gas problems in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Entergy advised us that the high pressure gas lines are fine. Anyone who has high pressure gas lines can contact Entergy for reconnection. Unfortunately, the low pressure gas lines are being de-watered at this time. Entergy states that they hope to have all of the water out of the low pressure gas lines by mid October. Despite earlier reports, this process cannot be completed in sections. All customers will receive low pressure gas as soon as the system is de-watered. The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits reported that if your building did not have any damage from the storm you would not have to get approval from them in order for Entergy to turn the gas on. However, if you did have damage Safety and Permits must come out to your facility.
(10/03/05) Due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the LRA is holding ServSafe certificates from the following classes: 08/08/05 (New Orleans), 08/18/05 (Sulphur) and 08/22/05 (Metairie). If you took any one of these classes and would like your certificate mailed to an alternate address or if you are now receiving mail, please contact the LRA at 800/256-4572.
(9/30/05) The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Louisiana Restaurant Association are announcing that all operators affected by the hurricane that have been trained and certified in the ServSafe Food Safety Training Program can receive a FREE REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE by completing the attached Certificate Replacement Form. Simply click here, print out the PDF and follow the instructions.
(9/29/05) The East Bank of Orleans Parish is under a boil water advisory. The Department of Health and Hospitals has issued guidelines for all restaurants operating under a boil water advisory. Click here to download those guidelines.
(9/29/05) According to the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), no foodservice operations on the Eastbank of Orleans Parish have been approved to reopen. In the coming days, the DHH will issue yellow placards to establishments that have been approved to reopen.
(9/27/05) ASCAP and BMI are offering relief on music licensing fees for Louisiana companies affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For ASCAP information, click here. For BMI information, click here.
(9/27/05) The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a toll-free number where you can call to ask questions and get personalized help in completing loan applications, as well as information on the nearest local workshop or recovery center where you can obtain assistance. Call (800) 659-2955 to speak to an SBA representative.
(9/26/05) River Parish Disposal is picking up in the French Quarter. Their regular telephone numbers are working again. Call them at (504) 738-7700.
(9/23/05) We are establishing a Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF) that will be administered through the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) which is a 501(c)3. The purpose of the fund will be to help pay expenses to return displaced workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina and/or Hurricane Rita. To donate to this fund, make checks payable to “Restaurant Employee Relief Fund” and mailed to: LRAEF, 2700 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie LA 70002-5916. For more information about this fund, email tomw@LRA.org.
(9/23/05) There is a massive national effort organized by the National Restaurant Association to raise funds to support the American Red Cross and help those affected by Gulf Coast hurricanes. The effort is called “Dine for America” and will take place on October 5, 2005. To find out more information, click here.
(9/22/05) There was a great article in the Baton Rouge Advocate by Chet Folkes that summarized what the LRA has been doing for its members and the foodservice industry. Click here to read the article.
(9/22/05) The LRA state headquarters in Metairie have been reopened. Our regular phone numbers (504) 454-2277 and (800) 256-4572 are now being answered at our permanent location. All mail should now be sent to:
Louisiana Restaurant Association
2700 North Arnoult Road
Metairie LA 70002-5916
The LRA Self Insurer's Fund for Workers' Compensation (LRA/SIF) can be reached at the same address and the same phone numbers. The claims reporting hotline number remains (877) 257-2743.
(9/21/05) The Southeast Louisiana Business Center has activated a program to assist small businesses as part of the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program. Businesses in the declared disaster area who experienced a loss of revenue due to Hurricane Katrina may be eligible. For more information, contact Southeastern Louisiana University's business center at (985) 549-3831 or sbdc@selu.edu.
(9/20/05) The following LRA members have informed us that they can help re-opening restaurants clean and sanitize their facilities:
Affordable Superior Service - Robert Grabert - 504-453-1996 or 985-331-2919
Disaster Masters - Mark Richey - 504-837-2151
Sparkling Image - Tom Nicholson - 504-456-1716
Star Service - Tim Wolfe - 504-915-7268
Zimmer-Eschette Services, LLC. - Paul Abadie - 504-628-3522 or 985-345-3557
If you are an LRA member and can assist reopening restaurants, call us at (504) 454-2277 or by fax at (504) 454-2299. Any mail sent to our temporary office in Baton Rouge will continue to be received and forwarded to us on a timely basis.
(9/20/05) Click here for a list of local suppliers that have confirmed to us that they can supply restaurants in the Greater New Orleans area. If you are a local supplier, to be included on this list, fax your information and a way to contact you to (504) 454-2299.
(9/19/05) Restaurants reopening after Hurricane Katrina in affected areas need to call the Jefferson Parish Health Unit at 504-838-5140. State sanitarians have additional personnel in order to conduct limited inspections to ensure public safety.
(9/16/05): Mark your calendars for the Louisiana Foodservice EXPO for August 5-7, 2006. The show WILL go on!
(9/16/05) A Job Board for Gulf Coast Region Restaurants is now up, established in cooperation with the National Restaurant Association and HCareers. Restaurants that are affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and their aftermath are telling us that there are critical shortages of employees. We encourage any restaurant in South Louisiana needing employees to use this job board.
(9/16/05) We’ve been contacted by long-time member Star Service of Metairie. They can assist businesses in getting their A/C systems back up and running as well as helping in getting rid of mildew and bacteria of building that have experienced flooding. Star advises that A/C systems that have been shut down for prolonged periods of time in New Orleans climates can have mildew issues that can destroy carpets and interiors if not dealt with properly. See their website at www.star-service.com or call Tim Wolfe on his cell phone at 504-915-7268.
For information on preparing your restaurant to reopen after Hurricane Katrina, call the LRA office at (800) 256-4572. Also, for a collection of valuable information on safe food handling under disaster conditions, visit www.FoodSafety.gov.
View a letter from 2005 LRA President Les Guerin concerning Hurricane Katrina aftermath.
View a letter from LRA CEO Jim Funk concerning Hurricane Katrina aftermath.
Hurricane Katrina Job Bank and Resources: The National Restaurant Association has established a Hurricane Katrina Restaurant Resource Center and a Restaurant Job Board for Displaced Employees. Thanks for all the offers of employment and assistance that are pouring in.
LRA members can contact their regional directors as follows:
Acadiana / Southwest Chapters (Lafayette & Lake Charles) - Dianne Guidry (337) 234-5935
Bayou / Northshore Chapters - Joel Treadwell (985) 871-4393
Baton Rouge Chapter - Courtney Tatman (225) 338-1370
CenLa Chapter (Alexandria) - Jamie Lemoine (318) 793-4570
Northeast Chapter (Monroe) - Patsy Rials (318) 322-3356
Northwest Chapter (Shreveport/Bossier City) - Gretchen Boothe (318) 425-4548
New Orleans Regional Director Pam St. Pierre can now be reached at the LRA state headquarters in Metairie.
The contact number for Great Central Insurance if you are covered by the LRA's endorsed property and casualty insurance program is (309) 681-2274. Ask for Virginia.
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