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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.

Throwdown for the Future: Eat. Drink. Win!

By qwilliams | September 8, 2026 | Comments Off on Throwdown for the Future: Eat. Drink. Win!

Latest News One night. Some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Great food, cocktails, music and prizes-all for a great cause. On Tuesday, October 13, Parkway Bakery & Tavern is opening its doors on a normally closed Tuesday for Throw Down for the Future, a fundraiser benefiting the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF). The idea…

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Alcohol Rules for Guests Ages 18–20

By qwilliams | September 8, 2026 | Comments Off on Alcohol Rules for Guests Ages 18–20

Latest News Louisiana’s alcohol regulations can be confusing when it comes to guests ages 18-20 dining at a restaurant bar with a parent. Here’s a simple breakdown of what is allowed, what is not, and the important discretion restaurants have when it comes to serving alcohol in these situations. Here are the rules: An 18-,…

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Your Recipe for Success Starts with a Clean Kitchen

By qwilliams | September 8, 2026 | Comments Off on Your Recipe for Success Starts with a Clean Kitchen

Latest News A clean kitchen is more than a matter of appearance-it’s a critical ingredient in food safety. Improper cleaning and sanitizing can leave behind pathogens, create cross-contamination risks and contribute to pest activity and other food safety concerns. For Week 2 of National Food Safety Month, the focus is on Proper Cleaning and Sanitizing…

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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…

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…

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