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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.

Elections Shape Local Leadership and Legislative Focus

By tnorris95 | October 21, 2025 | Comments Off on Elections Shape Local Leadership and Legislative Focus

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…

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Louisiana Restaurant Association to Host 4th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration in Baton Rouge

By tnorris95 | October 10, 2025 | Comments Off on Louisiana Restaurant Association to Host 4th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration in Baton Rouge

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) will host its 4th Annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Live Oak at Cedar Lodge, located in the heart of Baton Rouge. The community is invited to join in this festive celebration featuring German-themed food, drinks, and live entertainment-all while supporting Louisiana’s…

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Treasury Guidance on “No Tax on Tips”

By tnorris95 | September 23, 2025 | Comments Off on Treasury Guidance on “No Tax on Tips”

Latest News The U.S. Department of Treasury has released new guidance on how the recently enacted No Tax on Tips provision will apply to restaurant and hospitality workers. This provision allows eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips per year from 2025 through 2028, giving tipped employees meaningful tax relief on the…

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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…

Payment Card Settlement Claim Forms Now Available

By wwaren@lra.org | December 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Payment Card Settlement Claim Forms Now Available

Latest News The Payment Card Settlement is the biggest antitrust class-action settlement in history and sets aside at least $5.54 billion and a maximum of approximately $6.24 billion for millions of U.S. merchants who for years paid artificially inflated Visa and Mastercard interchange fees. Why it matters: If your restaurant accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time between January…

Seasoned Success: Louisiana ProStart Educators Spice Up Skills at Winter Training

By wwaren@lra.org | December 11, 2023 | Comments Off on Seasoned Success: Louisiana ProStart Educators Spice Up Skills at Winter Training

Latest News ​Louisiana ProStart Program’s recent Educator Training held at The University of New Orleans Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Program (UNO HRT) was a dynamic and enriching event. The day commenced with an opening session led by Jonathan Baynham, LRAEEF Executive Director, and Mistica Maples-Adams, LRAEF Program Manager, setting the tone for an engaging program.…

ServSafe Tips for Restaurant Revelries during Holidays

By wwaren@lra.org | December 6, 2023 | Comments Off on ServSafe Tips for Restaurant Revelries during Holidays

Latest News As we head into the holidays, bookings for seasonal celebrations are robust, already approaching and even exceeding pre-pandemic levels in some areas. The last thing you need is a foodborne illness to ruin your customers’ holiday revelries, not to mention your restaurant’s sales and reputation. Whether a company cocktail party or a catered…

TikTok, International Comfort Foods, and Nashville Hot are Coming to a Restaurant Menu Near You

By wwaren@lra.org | November 24, 2023 | Comments Off on TikTok, International Comfort Foods, and Nashville Hot are Coming to a Restaurant Menu Near You

Latest News 2024 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast from the National Restaurant Association predicts top menu trends for next year ​Swipe. Like. Crave. More and more, the line between restaurant menus and home cooking is blurring, thanks to social media like TikTok where restaurant dishes become viral sensations and in the right culinary hands popular social…

LRA Greater Baton Rouge Chapter Honors Culinary Leadership Excellence at Awards Night

By wwaren@lra.org | November 17, 2023 | Comments Off on LRA Greater Baton Rouge Chapter Honors Culinary Leadership Excellence at Awards Night

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Greater Baton Rouge Chapter gathered November 15 at the elegant Ruffino’s De La Rhonde Hall for an evening of celebration, recognition, and honor. The 2023 Awards Night brought together esteemed members, industry professionals, and friends to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of individuals who exemplify excellence in the culinary and…

Maximizing Tax Benefits: Understanding Form 8846 for Tip-Related Credits

By wwaren@lra.org | November 15, 2023 | Comments Off on Maximizing Tax Benefits: Understanding Form 8846 for Tip-Related Credits

Emeril Lagasse Foundation Announces Fall Grants Nearing $200,000

By wwaren@lra.org | November 15, 2023 | Comments Off on Emeril Lagasse Foundation Announces Fall Grants Nearing $200,000

Latest News Funding Supports Youth from Diverse Backgrounds to Further Life Skills  Emeril Lagasse Foundation awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to non-profit organizations that support its mission to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential. “We support programs that provide mentorship to the most vulnerable youth in our communities. We help them to…

FTC Seeks to Overhaul Restaurant Pricing

By wwaren@lra.org | October 28, 2023 | Comments Off on FTC Seeks to Overhaul Restaurant Pricing

Latest News The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing significant changes to restaurant pricing, aiming to eliminate mandatory fees and provide recommendations on tipping and credit card charges. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is closely monitoring, expressing concerns about perceived overreach. The NRA highlights potential impacts on restaurants, questions the FTC’s authority, and emphasizes the…

Stan Harris: Spearheading Restaurant Advocacy, Shaping Louisiana Politics

By wwaren@lra.org | October 17, 2023 | Comments Off on Stan Harris: Spearheading Restaurant Advocacy, Shaping Louisiana Politics
President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association seated at a table with water bottles on table. Blue background.

Latest News he following interview was published in LaPolitics on Thursday, October 12, 2023 In a brief Q&A with LaPolitics Weekly’s Jeremy Alford, Stan Harris, President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, discusses key industry issues. Covering topics from the proposed U.S. Department of Labor overtime pay threshold to members’ concerns about insurance costs…

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