2022 LRA Awards
The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) announced its 2022 Industry Awards—including the Restaurateurs of the Year, which is the LRA’s most prestigious award. Also, five LRA members were inducted into the LRA’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes their lifetime of impact and achievements in the industry. The Associate Member of the Year recognizes an industry supplier that is committed to improving the association and industry. The LRA Advocates of the Year award recognizes elected officials or individuals who’ve engaged in legislation, regulation, or policy efforts to create a better operating environment for LRA members. The LRA Awards Dinner was held at Juban’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge, Monday, November 7, 2022.
Restaurateurs of the Year: Emery Whalen and Chef Brian Landry of QED Hospitality
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The two own the food and beverage management company, which operates in boutique hotels such as the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans. Among the local establishments are Jack Rose Restaurant, the Bayou Bar, the Hot Tin Bar and the Silver Whistle Café. In Nashville at the Thompson Hotel, they operate LA Jackson, the Marsh House and Kilbrew. Most recently, they open The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky and have plans to expand the food and beverage concepts on the eighth-generation distillery’s campus.
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Advocates of the Year: The Honorable Page Cortez & Clay Schexnayder
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These two legislators have worked together to lead the two bodies – the Senate and the House – in a measured and thoughtful way to accomplish budgetary decisions that recognize the importance of the tourism and restaurant industries.
“The great thing about working with Page and Clay is that they have both worked in the restaurant industry,” said Stan Harris, LRA President and CEO. “Page was a fine dining server who worked his way through college and Clay started out in his teens as a busboy and kitchen assistant to the chef. It certainly makes a difference when the leadership can relate to the LRA members.” |
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Icon Award Winner: Pat O'briens
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A new award was created this year—LRA ICON. This award recognizes an establishment that has truly encapsulated the spirit of hospitality. Dating to the days of prohibition and still serving their famed Hurricane cocktail every day, Pat O’Brien’s was named the first LRA ICON. Shelly Waguespack, third generation owner accepted the award.
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Hall of Fame: Chef Susan Spicer
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For decades, Chef Spicer has served her unique culinary style at her restaurants Bayona in the French Quarter, Rosedale in Mid City and Mondo in the Louis Armstrong International Airport. During her lengthy career she has mentored and trained numerous new chefs and culinary talent encouraging them to launch their own operations to fulfill their dreams.
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Hall of Fame: Frank Randol
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A former LRA State Director, for 50 years, Randol’s Restaurant was known worldwide for its cuisine and their dancehall that featured live zydeco music seven nights a week. Mr. Randol had been an active advocate on behalf of the Louisiana seafood and crawfish industry, and traveled the world promoting the Cajun culture of the Acadiana region helping to build Lafayette as its own destination for visitors.
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LRA Hall of Fame Inductee: Cindy Brennan Davis and Randy Stein of Mr. B's
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The two own and manage the restaurant respectively have been operating for over forty years in the challenging New Orleans French Quarter. Additionally, long-term Mr. B’s Executive Chef, the late Michelle McRaney who worked with Davis and Stein for 25 years is also inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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Associate of the Year: Jason Jones
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Jason Jones is the Regional Vice President of Sales at Sysco in New Orleans. With nearly 30 years in the foodservice supply business, he has been with Sysco for a decade. He is an advocate for culinary education and serves on the LRA Education Foundation as its 2023 Chair-Elect. He also serves of the LRA Board of Directors.
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Louisiana Restaurant Legends Program
The Louisiana Restaurant Association recognizes the long-term dedication of employees who make up the backbone of our industry by presenting them with the Louisiana Restaurant Legends Award.
By recognizing the long-term service of Louisiana Restaurant Legends, we hope to encourage younger workers to follow their example. Jobs within our industry can be lifelong, meaningful careers. We encourage members who employ a Louisiana Restaurant Legend, or know of one in their area, to nominate them. Together, we can spread the word about those outstanding examples of service and dedication in our midst.
Since the program’s inception in 2006, more than 200 individuals in our state have been recognized by the LRA. Collectively, these industry professionals have more than 6,000 years of service to Louisiana restaurants and its suppliers.
By recognizing the long-term service of Louisiana Restaurant Legends, we hope to encourage younger workers to follow their example. Jobs within our industry can be lifelong, meaningful careers. We encourage members who employ a Louisiana Restaurant Legend, or know of one in their area, to nominate them. Together, we can spread the word about those outstanding examples of service and dedication in our midst.
Since the program’s inception in 2006, more than 200 individuals in our state have been recognized by the LRA. Collectively, these industry professionals have more than 6,000 years of service to Louisiana restaurants and its suppliers.
Norris Sam Jr. was honored as a Restaurant Legend for his 25 years of service at Arnaud's Restaurant. He is the man behind the curtain making your soufflé potatoes.
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Andre Garel of the Rib Room, inside the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, was honored as a Restaurant Legend in January 2022, posthumously. He was a server there from 1998 until his untimely passing in 2021. The plaque was presented to Jason Turner, former Restaurant Manager (left) and Ivo Arkulin, Director of Food & Beverage (right).
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Nominate a Legend
Each LRA restaurant or associate member can nominate employees by filling out the form below. After an employee’s qualification has been determined, a certificate acknowledging the award will be designed for the employee. Another certificate will be framed and presented to the business to be displayed proudly on the premises. Press releases will be issued to the local news media highlighting the remarkable service of the Louisiana Restaurant Legend in his or her area.
To qualify for the Louisiana Restaurant Legends Award, an employee must:
Click HERE to nominate a Louisiana Restaurant Legend.
Click HERE to nominate a Louisiana Restaurant Partnership Legend (Associate Members).
Send completed forms to communications@lra.org.
To qualify for the Louisiana Restaurant Legends Award, an employee must:
- Be nominated by an LRA member;
- Have worked at the member restaurant or associate member business for at least 20 years; and
- Personify exemplary service and dedication.
Click HERE to nominate a Louisiana Restaurant Legend.
Click HERE to nominate a Louisiana Restaurant Partnership Legend (Associate Members).
Send completed forms to communications@lra.org.
