Latest News
On the Radar: Latest Trends & Updates
Here, you'll find timely updates, industry insights, and exciting announcements about our association and the vibrant restaurant community we serve. Stay informed about upcoming events, important initiatives, and key developments that impact our industry. We’re thrilled to keep you connected and engaged with the latest happenings in the world of hospitality.
Latest News One night. Some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Great food, cocktails, music and prizes-all for a great cause. On Tuesday, October 13, Parkway Bakery & Tavern is opening its doors on a normally closed Tuesday for Throw Down for the Future, a fundraiser benefiting the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF). The idea…
Read More
Latest News Louisiana’s alcohol regulations can be confusing when it comes to guests ages 18-20 dining at a restaurant bar with a parent. Here’s a simple breakdown of what is allowed, what is not, and the important discretion restaurants have when it comes to serving alcohol in these situations. Here are the rules: An 18-,…
Read More
Latest News A clean kitchen is more than a matter of appearance-it’s a critical ingredient in food safety. Improper cleaning and sanitizing can leave behind pathogens, create cross-contamination risks and contribute to pest activity and other food safety concerns. For Week 2 of National Food Safety Month, the focus is on Proper Cleaning and Sanitizing…
Read More
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to welcome Jennifer “Jen” Kelley Killian as its new Executive Director, bringing a longtime advocate for Louisiana’s hospitality industry into a new role focused on supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals. Killian is a familiar face to many throughout the Louisiana restaurant and…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to recognize Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski as the 2026 Restaurateurs of the Year, the Association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, excellence, and commitment to Louisiana’s restaurant industry. For decades, Link and Stryjewski have helped shape Louisiana’s culinary reputation through award-winning restaurants, unwavering standards of hospitality,…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Global Expedition Cocktail Competition, held Sunday, July 26, during the 2026 LRA Showcase, themed “Where Louisiana Meets the World.” Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company and produced by the Louisiana Restaurant…
Latest News DIRECTV announced a new multi-year agreement with EverPass Media to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket via satellite and streaming to bars, restaurants and commercial venues nationwide through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS beginning with the 2026 NFL season. Under the agreement, DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS will serve as EverPass’ sales, marketing and commercial distribution partner for NFL…
Latest News Updated August 4, 2026 Act 751 took effect on Saturday, August 1, prohibiting a restaurant or any merchant from imposing any surcharge on a transaction processed as a debit card. The Act defines a surcharge as “any additional amount of money” imposed on the customer who uses a debit card and expressly provides…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) recognized outstanding leaders in Louisiana’s hospitality industry during the 2026 LRA Awards Ceremony at the 73rd LRA Showcase, held as part of the Association’s 80th Anniversary celebration. The LRA’s highest honor, Restaurateurs of the Year, was presented to Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski for their exceptional leadership, nationally…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to partner with New Orleans & Company to welcome two of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions-the Bocuse d’Or Americas and the Pastry World Cup Americas-to New Orleans as part of the 2026 LRA Showcase. On Saturday, July 25, attendees can experience the Pastry World Cup…
Latest News The restaurant industry has never stood still. From online ordering and mobile payments to kitchen automation and digital marketing, operators have continually adapted to meet changing consumer expectations. Today, artificial intelligence is driving the next evolution-and it’s happening faster than many realize. That’s why the Louisiana Restaurant Association is excited to welcome internationally…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) will welcome thousands of restaurant and hospitality professionals from across Louisiana and the Gulf South to the 73rd Annual LRA Showcase, July 25-26, 2026, in Hall I of the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Designed exclusively for industry professionals, the LRA Showcase features hundreds of exhibiting companies showcasing…
Latest News Louisiana’s restaurant industry continues to earn national acclaim, with 28 LRA member restaurants receiving honors in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards. The annual awards recognize restaurants that demonstrate excellence in wine service, thoughtful wine programs and pairings that enhance the guest dining experience. Now in its 45th year, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards…