Education Foundation
From ProStart to NOCHI: Jeremiah Thomas Continues His Culinary Journey
Latest News From ProStart to NOCHI: Jeremiah Thomas Continues His Culinary Journey Jun 15, 2026 When Jeremiah Thomas first stepped into a high school culinary classroom at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, he discovered more than a passion for cooking—he found a pathway to a career. Today, the Louisiana ProStart alumnus is pursuing that…
Read MoreLouisiana Celebrates National ProStart Success
Latest News Louisiana Celebrates National ProStart Success Apr 27, 2026 The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is proud to celebrate Chalmette High School’s outstanding achievement at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, where the school’s ProStart Management Team earned 2nd Place in the nation. Competing against the top ProStart programs from across…
Read MoreLRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars
Latest News LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars Mar 24, 2026 The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is investing in the future of the hospitality industry by awarding $60,000 in scholarships to its 2026 LRAEF Scholars Class. These scholarships provide vital support to Louisiana students pursuing careers in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, and hospitality sectors.…
Read MoreChalmette Sweeps Top Honors at Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational
Latest News Chalmette Sweeps Top Honors at Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational Mar 20, 2026 The LRA Education Foundation presented the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational on March 18-19 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. ProStart is a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum in nearly 71 Louisiana high schools, with 2,200 juniors and seniors…
Read MoreLRA Celebrates 80 Years and Announces 2026 Volunteer Leadership
Latest News LRA Celebrates 80 Years and Announces 2026 Volunteer Leadership Jan 6, 2026 The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) proudly celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2026, marking eight decades of advocacy, education, and leadership on behalf of Louisiana’s vibrant hospitality industry. As the Association looks ahead to the next chapter of service, the LRA announced…
Read MoreA Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit
Latest News A Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit Dec 9, 2025 Congress has delivered a long-awaited victory for restaurants and service-based businesses by ensuring employers receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the FICA taxes paid on employee tips. The LRA and National Restaurant Association worked directly with Speaker…
Read MoreHurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later, From Survival to Service
Latest News Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later, From Survival to Service Aug 26, 2025 A Personal Recollection from LRA SVP and Head of Communications, Wendy Waren This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and like so many New Orleanians, I can still remember the days leading up to it with painful clarity. On…
Read MoreLouisiana ProStart Students Win Trip to NRA Show
Latest News Louisiana ProStart Students Win Trip to NRA Show May 19, 2025 Big dreams are heating up in the kitchen for ProStart students from W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette! The Louisiana Restaurant Association is thrilled to share that this talented group was selected for the first-ever JumpStart Initiative by the…
Read MoreChalmette HS ProStart Wins 1st Place in Management at National
Latest News Chalmette HS ProStart Wins 1st Place in Management at National May 5, 2025 Students create and pitch an original restaurant concept, complete with a business proposal, marketing plan, and operations strategy Chalmette High School’s ProStart Management Team has made Louisiana history, capturing first place at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), held May…
Read MoreLouisiana ProStart Champs Head to National Invitational
Latest News Louisiana ProStart Champs Head to National Invitational Sponsored by TABASCO Brand & Zea Rotisserie & Grill May 2, 2025 The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and its Education Foundation proudly announce that two Louisiana ProStart teams captured state championships and are headed to the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, MD. In thrilling…
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