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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.

Navigating What’s Next: Spring Webinar Series for Restaurant Leaders

By qwilliams | April 17, 2026 | Comments Off on Navigating What’s Next: Spring Webinar Series for Restaurant Leaders

Latest News From workforce policy and global supply chain volatility to talent development, today’s restaurant leaders are navigating a rapidly shifting landscape. The National Restaurant Association is hosting a three-part webinar series this spring to provide timely insights, practical strategies, and clear guidance on the issues shaping the industry today-and tomorrow.   The Restaurant Industry’s…

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Step Into the Spotlight: Apply Now to Compete in the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

By tnorris95 | April 15, 2026 | Comments Off on Step Into the Spotlight: Apply Now to Compete in the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

Latest News The Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) is calling on Louisiana Restaurant Association member chefs to take their place on one of the state’s most prestigious culinary stages. Set for June 26, 2026, at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, this high-energy competition brings together 12 of Louisiana’s top chefs for a live, fast-paced seafood showdown.…

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LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars

By qwilliams | March 24, 2026 | Comments Off on LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars

Latest News 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. Honorees were recognized at Serving the Future: Celebrating…

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FTC Cracks Down on Franchise Agreements: New Guidelines on Hidden Fees and Non-Disparagement Clauses

By wwaren@lra.org | August 22, 2024 | Comments Off on FTC Cracks Down on Franchise Agreements: New Guidelines on Hidden Fees and Non-Disparagement Clauses
red, black, white, green , red, target board with 3 red darts hitting the bullseye

Latest News FTC Continues to Target Franchisors, Issues New Guidance On Friday, July 19, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took significant actions targeting franchisors, addressing concerns about hidden fees and non-disparagement clauses in franchise agreements. These recent announcements include: New FTC Guidance for Franchisors Ban on Hidden Fees: The FTC has issued guidance stating…

Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown

By wwaren@lra.org | August 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown
Three men and a woman holding oversized check. Confetti falling

Latest News Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and Louisiana Libations, is proud to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown. The event, held on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at…

Controversial Joint Employer Rule Struck Down Just Before Taking Effect

By wwaren@lra.org | August 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Controversial Joint Employer Rule Struck Down Just Before Taking Effect

Latest News By Fisher Phillips, Authors Steve Bernstein, Josh Nadreau and John Polson In an 11th-hour decision, a federal court judge in Texas just struck down the Labor Board’s controversial joint employer rule right before it was set to take effect on Monday. The NLRB had aimed to make it far easier for workers to…

Restaurant Industry Notches Win in Battle Against NLRB Joint Employer Rule

By wwaren@lra.org | July 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Restaurant Industry Notches Win in Battle Against NLRB Joint Employer Rule

Latest News The NLRB withdrew its appeal to the 5th Circut decision vacating the 2023 Joint Employer Rule, putting a “direct and immediate” standard back in place. Washington, D.C. – Friday, July 19, 2024, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was granted a request to withdraw its appeal of the United States District Court in the Eastern…

OSHA Proposes New Heat Safety Rule

By wwaren@lra.org | July 3, 2024 | Comments Off on OSHA Proposes New Heat Safety Rule

Latest News What Just Happened: Earlier today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule outlining steps employers would be required to take to protect indoor and outdoor workers from the risk of heat illness. This rule applies to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work, with limited exceptions. Public comments are due 120 days…

ProStart Princesses: Honoring Chef Leah Chase at Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

By wwaren@lra.org | July 2, 2024 | Comments Off on ProStart Princesses: Honoring Chef Leah Chase at Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
4 African American girls wearing Disney Mickey Mouse Ears Carrying a Black Disney Backpack

Latest News A group of young women from two ProStart programs in New Orleans are headed to Walt Disney World for an exclusive, all-expenses-paid culinary journey in honor of Chef Leah Chase, who inspired the animated motion picture The Princess and the Frog. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the newest attraction at Magic Kingdom Park, honors not only…

LRA Education Foundation Celebrates 6 Outstanding Line Cook Apprentices

By wwaren@lra.org | July 2, 2024 | Comments Off on LRA Education Foundation Celebrates 6 Outstanding Line Cook Apprentices
4 African American Young Men Standing in front of a Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation Step and Repeat Banner

Latest News LRA Education Foundation Celebrates Six Outstanding Line Cook Apprentices The LRA Education Foundation recently honored six exceptional young men who have successfully completed their line cook apprenticeship, officially graduating from the program. The celebratory event was hosted by Conrad Churra, owner of Wakin’ Bakin’ in the French Quarter. Churra is the founder of…

Your Property Rights Under New Constitutional Carry Law

By wwaren@lra.org | July 2, 2024 | Comments Off on Your Property Rights Under New Constitutional Carry Law
No Firearms Allowed Graphic

Latest News Your Property Rights Under Constitutional Carry Law On Thursday, July 4, 2024, the law allowing constitutional carry of concealed firearms for Louisiana residents 18 and older will take effect. Those locations that previously  prohibited concealed carry remain in effect that include public buildings, courthouses, libraries and other locations. Permitted concealed or constitutional carry…

Dakar Nola: Chef Serigne Mbaye’s Award-Winning Blend of Senegalese and New Orleans Cuisine

By wwaren@lra.org | June 28, 2024 | Comments Off on Dakar Nola: Chef Serigne Mbaye’s Award-Winning Blend of Senegalese and New Orleans Cuisine
Serigne Mbaye

Latest News At just 30 years old, Chef Serigne Mbaye is making waves in New Orleans’ culinary scene with his restaurant Dakar Nola, which earlier this year won the most coveted of awards, the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. This accolade is a testament to Mbaye’s dedication to bringing the flavors and…

NRA Update: “No Taxes on Tips” Act

By wwaren@lra.org | June 21, 2024 | Comments Off on NRA Update: “No Taxes on Tips” Act
Tip drawer.

Latest News On June 20, four U.S. Senators introduced the “No Taxes on Tips Act” to prevent federal income taxation on employee tips in any industry. While the proposal would eliminate the federal income tax for tips, these tips would still be subject to the federal payroll tax (“FICA”) paid by employees and employers to…

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