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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.

Louisiana ProStart Students Win Trip to NRA Show

By tnorris95 | May 19, 2025 | Comments Off on Louisiana ProStart Students Win Trip to NRA Show

Latest News 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 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). From May 17-20, the students…

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Chalmette HS ProStart Wins 1st Place in Management at National

By tnorris95 | May 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Chalmette HS ProStart Wins 1st Place in Management at National

Latest News 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 2-4 in Baltimore, Maryland. Competing against the best and brightest ProStart students from…

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Louisiana ProStart Champs Head to National Invitational

By tnorris95 | May 2, 2025 | Comments Off on Louisiana ProStart Champs Head to National Invitational

Latest News Sponsored by TABASCO Brand & Zea Rotisserie & Grill 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 competitions held March 19-20 in New Orleans, ProStart students from…

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U.S. DOL Increases New Overtime Salary Threshold

By wwaren@lra.org | April 24, 2024 | Comments Off on U.S. DOL Increases New Overtime Salary Threshold

Latest News The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its final overtime rule, significantly increasing the minimum annual salary threshold determining overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from $35,568 to $58,656. The rule will gradually come into effect, with an increase to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and an increase to $58,656…

FTC Votes to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

By wwaren@lra.org | April 24, 2024 | Comments Off on FTC Votes to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

Latest News What Just Happened: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to enact a far-reaching ban on non-compete agreements. This decision, resulting from a 3-2 vote, will take effect 120 days following its publication in the Federal Register. The rule aims to prohibit all new non-compete agreements and will render most existing ones unenforceable, except…

Common Restaurant Scams & How You Can Avoid Them

By wwaren@lra.org | April 16, 2024 | Comments Off on Common Restaurant Scams & How You Can Avoid Them

Latest News The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its final overtime rule, significantly increasing the minimum annual salary threshold determining overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from $35,568 to $58,656. The rule will gradually come into effect, with an increase to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and an increase to $58,656…

Empowering Advocacy: Highlights from LRA Day at the Capitol

By wwaren@lra.org | April 10, 2024 | Comments Off on Empowering Advocacy: Highlights from LRA Day at the Capitol

Latest News Seventy members of the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) convened at the Capitol for a pivotal event known as LRA Day. This gathering provided a platform for industry leaders to address pressing issues facing the restaurant sector. Among the distinguished speakers were LRA President and CEO Stan Harris, Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple,…

Flavorful Tribute: Louisiana’s Mom and Pop Restaurants Shine on National Business Day

By wwaren@lra.org | March 29, 2024 | Comments Off on Flavorful Tribute: Louisiana’s Mom and Pop Restaurants Shine on National Business Day

Latest News Don’t let the term “Mom and Pop” give you the impression that these business owners aren’t sophisticated. In the realm of restaurants, it signifies a world of dedication, versatility, and unyielding passion. A restaurant owner can seamlessly transition from chef to host, electrician to human resources manager, all in the span of a…

Serving Up Technology: New Data Shows How Tech Integration is Transforming the Restaurant Experience

By wwaren@lra.org | March 27, 2024 | Comments Off on Serving Up Technology: New Data Shows How Tech Integration is Transforming the Restaurant Experience

Latest News National Restaurant Association Technology Landscape report showcases industry innovation and where consumer desires are pushing trends Technology use in restaurants is accelerating, creating new touchpoints between restaurants and the consumers they serve, according to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Technology Landscape Report 2024. The report, released today, identifies the varying expectations consumers have…

Proposed Settlement Requires Visa and Mastercard to Reduce Swipe Fees, But Long-Term Solutions Needed

By wwaren@lra.org | March 26, 2024 | Comments Off on Proposed Settlement Requires Visa and Mastercard to Reduce Swipe Fees, But Long-Term Solutions Needed

Latest News On March 26, a proposed settlement agreement was announced requiring Visa and Mastercard to reduce swipe fees charged to restaurants and other merchants to process credit card transactions starting in April 2025. While this news is welcome, it merely provides temporary relief while allowing credit card companies to raise rates in the future.…

NRA Urges the Senate to Pass HR 7024

By wwaren@lra.org | March 22, 2024 | Comments Off on NRA Urges the Senate to Pass HR 7024

Latest News Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 What just happened: The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act has momentum coming into the Senate, following sweeping bipartisan votes in both the House tax committee (40 – 3) and on the floor (357 – 70). The Senate has an opportunity to…

Restaurant Reservation Ruckus: Inside the Controversial World of Appointment Trader

By wwaren@lra.org | March 12, 2024 | Comments Off on Restaurant Reservation Ruckus: Inside the Controversial World of Appointment Trader

Latest News In the realm of fine dining, a shadowy online marketplace has emerged, promising prime reservations at top-tier restaurants for exorbitant prices. Dubbed Appointment Trader, this platform has sparked outrage among restaurateurs and industry insiders alike, as it capitalizes on the scarcity of coveted dining experiences while leaving eateries in the lurch. Led by…

LRA Education Foundation Announces Winners of Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational

By wwaren@lra.org | March 11, 2024 | Comments Off on LRA Education Foundation Announces Winners of Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational

Latest News The LRA Education Foundation presented the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational on March 6-7 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. ProStart is a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum in nearly 60 Louisiana high schools, with 2,000 juniors and seniors participating. Sixty-three percent of Louisiana’s ProStart program attended the Invitational. The Invitational…

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