Education Foundation
Throwdown for the Future: Eat. Drink. Win!
Latest News Throwdown for the Future: Eat. Drink. Win! Sep 8, 2026 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…
Read MoreLRA Education Foundation Welcomes Jennifer Kelley Killian as Executive Director
Latest News LRA Education Foundation Welcomes Jennifer Kelley Killian as Executive Director Sep 8, 2026 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…
Read MoreDonald Link & Stephen Stryjewski Named 2026 LRA Restaurateurs of the Year
Latest News Donald Link & Stephen Stryjewski Named 2026 LRA Restaurateurs of the Year Aug 5, 2026 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…
Read MoreLouisiana Restaurant Association Honors 2026 Industry Award Winners
Latest News Louisiana Restaurant Association Honors 2026 Industry Award Winners Jul 29, 2026 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…
Read MoreExperience Bocuse d’Or Americas and the Pastry World Cup Americas at the 2026 LRA Showcase
Latest News Experience Bocuse d’Or Americas and the Pastry World Cup Americas at the 2026 LRA Showcase Jul 6, 2026 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…
Read MoreMeet the 2026 LRA Showcase Keynote Speaker: Dr. Shawn DuBravac
Latest News Meet the 2026 LRA Showcase Keynote Speaker: Dr. Shawn DuBravac Jul 6, 2026 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…
Read MoreLRA Showcase Returns July 25-26 Bringing the Restaurant Industry Together for Innovation, Education and World-Class Culinary Competition
Latest News LRA Showcase Returns July 25-26 Bringing the Restaurant Industry Together for Innovation, Education and World-Class Culinary Competition Jul 6, 2026 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…
Read MoreFrom 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.…
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