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 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…
Read More
Latest News Get ready for one of the Bayou Region’s favorite food events! The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Bayou Chapter will host the 11th Annual Bayou Culinary Showcase on Thursday, April 9, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium. This lively evening brings together some of the area’s best restaurants for…
Read More
Latest News The LRA Education Foundation presented the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational on March 18-19 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. ProStart is a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum in nearly 71 Louisiana high schools, with 2,200 juniors and seniors participating. The Invitational consisted of the Zea Rotisserie Culinary Competition on Day…
Read More
Latest News Congress has delivered a long-awaited victory for restaurants and service-based businesses by ensuring employers receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the FICA taxes paid on employee tips. The LRA and National Restaurant Association worked directly with Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise to ensure the 45B credit was not used as a “pay…
Latest News President Trump signed an Executive Order removing select Brazilian agricultural products, including coffee and beef, from the 40 percent tariff imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This change applies only to the specific agricultural goods listed in the updated annex, and all other Brazilian imports such as non-agricultural and industrial items…
Latest News Second Line in the Sky is a new temporary memorial and lighting installation spanning the 100-300 blocks of Bourbon Street, created to honor the victims of the January 1, 2025 Bourbon Street attack. Featuring 822 prayer flags suspended across twenty-one buildings, it forms a glowing canopy that encourages visitors to pause, look up,…
Latest News New Orleans is preparing for a significant increase in federal immigration enforcement, with approximately 200 Border Patrol agents expected in the city in the coming weeks. This surge follows similar operations in other major cities and has local law enforcement coordinating closely with federal authorities. While these operations aim to remove public safety…
Latest News As we approach the end of the year and the Thanksgiving season, LRA President and CEO Stan Harris shares key updates on federal and state policy issues shaping Louisiana’s hospitality industry – and extends heartfelt thanks to our members for their partnership and support. Federal Government Reopens After 43-Day Shutdown Last week, the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…