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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.

Think Before You Trust: Cybersecurity Tips for Business Owners

By tnorris95 | August 19, 2025 | Comments Off on Think Before You Trust: Cybersecurity Tips for Business Owners

Latest News In today’s digital world, small businesses are always looking for ways to gain visibility. Media coverage can be a powerful growth tool, but it also creates opportunities for scammers. Recently, Lauren Haydel, owner of Fleurty Girl boutiques in New Orleans, Metairie, and Bay St. Louis, shared her close call with such a scam.…

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Louisiana Restaurants Saved by Social Media Outcry

By tnorris95 | August 13, 2025 | Comments Off on Louisiana Restaurants Saved by Social Media Outcry

Latest News Across the country, restaurants are facing unprecedented challenges: skyrocketing food costs, higher rent, staffing shortages, and shifting customer habits. For some, these pressures have meant permanent closure. For others, the turning point came not from a bank loan or investor-but from a flood of social media posts. One striking national example came from…

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NRA Raises Alarm Over New Tariffs on Food and Beverages

By tnorris95 | August 6, 2025 | Comments Off on NRA Raises Alarm Over New Tariffs on Food and Beverages

Latest News The Trump Administration’s recent announcement of new tariffs on food and beverage imports is drawing serious concern from the restaurant industry. These changes, which go into effect this month, are expected to raise the cost of key ingredients-potentially impacting everything from coffee and wine to burgers and beef. With wholesale food prices already…

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Lakeshore High, Chalmette High Represent Louisiana at National ProStart Invitational

By wwaren@lra.org | April 30, 2024 | Comments Off on Lakeshore High, Chalmette High Represent Louisiana at National ProStart Invitational

Latest News ​ProStart students from Lakeshore and Chalmette High Schools represented Louisiana at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, in the Culinary and Management competitions, respectively. The Lakeshore team demonstrated their techniques and creativity in the culinary competition via a three-course menu that featured scallops, beef and strawberries. Chalmette showcased their “Española” restaurant concept in…

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…

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