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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.

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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Winners Announced: Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail Competition at LRA Showcase 2025

By tnorris95 | August 6, 2025 | Comments Off on Winners Announced: Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail Competition at LRA Showcase 2025

Latest News Metairie, La. – The shaker tins have settled, the ice has melted, and the judges have spoken. The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition, held August 3 at the 2025 LRA Showcase in New Orleans. Presented by Four…

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August 1 Marks Key Updates to Unemployment Reporting in Louisiana

By tnorris95 | July 16, 2025 | Comments Off on August 1 Marks Key Updates to Unemployment Reporting in Louisiana

Latest News Effective August 1, 2025, updates in Louisiana’s unemployment compensation system will be implemented to align with the outcome of recent legislation. Governor Landry has signed into law amendments to R.S. 23:1541(A) and 1576, aimed at enhancing employer contributions, managing the social charge account, and refining the unemployment benefit charges. Key Changes Include: Employer…

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Fees, Taxes Top LRA’s Fed Agenda

By wwaren@lra.org | February 28, 2024 | Comments Off on Fees, Taxes Top LRA’s Fed Agenda

Latest News By Stan Harris CEO & president of the Louisiana Restaurant Association This piece was a guest column in the Beltway Beat by LaPolitics, part of the State Affairs network, February 28, 2024.  Louisianians love celebrations, and each of these occasions-be it a birthday, anniversary, or the opening of football season-involves our world-famous cuisine. The heritage…

LRA Education Foundation Announces 2024 Scholars

By wwaren@lra.org | February 26, 2024 | Comments Off on LRA Education Foundation Announces 2024 Scholars

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) Board of Directors, through its Scholarship Fund, will award $60,000 in scholarships to 17 students. The LRAEF Scholars will be honored on March 6 during the annual “Serving the Future-Celebrating Careers in Hospitality” presented by Ecolab event in New Orleans. The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created…

LRA Education Foundation Presents the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational March 6-7, 2024

By wwaren@lra.org | February 14, 2024 | Comments Off on LRA Education Foundation Presents the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational March 6-7, 2024

Latest News Chef Patron E.J. Lagasse Keynote Speaker at ProStart Awards The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation proudly presents the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational March 6-7, 2024, at the Morial Convention Center, Hall J. ProStart is a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum offered to juniors and seniors in nearly 60 high schools in Louisiana.…

NRA and its Restaurant Law Center Call on FTC to Exclude Restaurants from “Junk Fees” Rule

By wwaren@lra.org | February 12, 2024 | Comments Off on NRA and its Restaurant Law Center Call on FTC to Exclude Restaurants from “Junk Fees” Rule

Latest News In comments they call the proposal unwarranted and unlawful, and highlight significant unintended consequences for consumers In comments submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its Unfair or Deceptive Fees Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center (Law Center) called for the Commission to exclude the…

Alan Guilbeau: A Journey of Passion and Service

By wwaren@lra.org | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Alan Guilbeau: A Journey of Passion and Service

Latest News In every industry, there are unsung heroes whose dedication and commitment shape the landscape from behind the scenes. Alan Guilbeau, 2024’s newly appointed Chair of the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), is one such individual whose remarkable journey in consumer products, food service, and distribution has left an indelible mark on Louisiana’s culinary community.…

Drago’s An American Journey: A Tale of Resilience, Family, and Charbroiled Oysters

By wwaren@lra.org | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Drago’s An American Journey: A Tale of Resilience, Family, and Charbroiled Oysters

Latest News Drago’s: An American Journey recounts the inspiring saga of the Cvitanovich family, pioneers of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in Metairie, Louisiana. From humble beginnings to culinary legends, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich embody the immigrant experience and entrepreneurial spirit, fleeing post-World War II Europe with little but determination. Through unwavering dedication, they introduced their iconic dish,…

Revitalizing Membership: LRA’s Baton Rouge Conference Reignites Passion and Purpose!

By wwaren@lra.org | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Revitalizing Membership: LRA’s Baton Rouge Conference Reignites Passion and Purpose!

Latest News With a renewed spirit, the LRA held its annual chapter leadership conference in Baton Rouge on January 24. The topics covered everything LRA-related, from advocacy to the education foundation, as well as events and goals. LRA Chair Alan Guilbeau and Director Stephen Hightower (Chapter Leadership Chair) led a dialogue that sparked creativity in…

Wholesale Food Prices Down 5.6% From Year-Ago Levels

By wwaren@lra.org | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Wholesale Food Prices Down 5.6% From Year-Ago Levels

Latest News By Bruce Grindy, Chief Economist, National Restaurant Association In the 12 months ending November 2023, average wholesale food prices declined 5.6%. That marked the seventh consecutive 12-month decline – and the largest year-over-year drop in more than 7 years. The recent slowing of growth followed an 18-month period of double-digit gains – including…

Feeding the 5-0 Becomes More Efficient

By wwaren@lra.org | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Feeding the 5-0 Becomes More Efficient

Latest News Mardi Gras Ushers in Upgrades to Meal Service for 8th District The largest free show on earth, as we know, is not without its costs. With nearly 1 million visitors pouring in for the 2024 Mardi Gras Season, the public safety measures are vast, largely unknown or underestimated. The agencies that are on…

Restaurant Industry Sales Forecast to Set $1.1 Trillion Record in 2024

By wwaren@lra.org | February 6, 2024 | Comments Off on Restaurant Industry Sales Forecast to Set $1.1 Trillion Record in 2024

Latest News Restaurants sales are forecast to exceed $1.1 trillion in sales this year, marking a new milestone for the industry that will employ over 15.7 million people in the United States by the end of 2024. This is all according to the National Restaurant Association 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report. Key findings from…

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