Latest News
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.
Latest News The U.S. Court of International Trade has stayed NOAA’s planned January 1, 2026, import ban on blue swimming crab from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka-a major development for seafood importers and restaurant operators who depend on these key overseas fisheries. Key Takeaways Import Ban Paused: The scheduled January 1, 2026, import…
Read More
Latest News For the first time, the American South has been included in the Michelin Guide, and we’re proud to celebrate our Louisiana Restaurant Association members recognized in this inaugural selection. LRA members were featured across multiple categories, including Recommended Eateries, Bib Gourmand honorees, and Michelin Star recipients. Congratulations to Emeril’s for earning two Michelin…
Read More
Latest News New Orleans Mayoral and City Council Races The recent Oct. 11 elections in New Orleans reflected a clear mandate from the city’s voters. Helena Moreno was elected Mayor, while the City Council At-Large seats were won by JP Morrell (reelected with 66% of the vote) and Matthew Willard (59%), making them the first…
Read MoreLatest News On Tuesday, the Louisiana Senate approved House Bill 156, which repeals a requirement that employers provide a mandatory 30-minute break to minors working shifts lasting five hours or longer, in a 26-11 vote, with a major amendment now attached to the legislation. The amendment to the bill is from from Sen. Jean-Paul Coussan and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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
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…
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.…
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…