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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.
Latest News Big dreams are heating up in the kitchen for ProStart students from W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette! The Louisiana Restaurant Association is thrilled to share that this talented group was selected for the first-ever JumpStart Initiative by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). From May 17-20, the students…
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Latest News Students create and pitch an original restaurant concept, complete with a business proposal, marketing plan, and operations strategy Chalmette High School’s ProStart Management Team has made Louisiana history, capturing first place at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), held May 2-4 in Baltimore, Maryland. Competing against the best and brightest ProStart students from…
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Latest News Sponsored by TABASCO Brand & Zea Rotisserie & Grill The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and its Education Foundation proudly announce that two Louisiana ProStart teams captured state championships and are headed to the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, MD. In thrilling competitions held March 19-20 in New Orleans, ProStart students from…
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Latest News Just like a simmering pot of red beans on a Monday, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is a trusted staple in the hospitality industry-reliable, consistent, and always there when you need it. For generations, restaurants across the state have counted on the LRA for advocacy, education, and support, ensuring their success just as…
Latest News The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (WLF) have informed us of a temporary closure of oyster harvesting in Area 3. This precautionary measure comes after Alabama health officials raised concerns about a potential foodborne illness. Out of an abundance of caution, harvest from Area 3 has…
Latest News The White House has announced that President Trump will implement new tariffs effective February 1: 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico 10% on imports from China There are no known exclusions or exceptions at this time. It remains unclear under which legal authority these tariffs will be enacted, and legal challenges may…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to announce that Fleur du Coeur: A Culinary Tribute, held January 13-19, raised $100,000 for the Greater New Orleans Foundation New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund. The weeklong dining promotion was organized by a group of local restaurateurs and bar owners to support victims, families, and the…
Latest News Businesses that accepted Visa and/or MasterCard payments between January 1, 2004, and January 25, 2019, are eligible to file a claim in a significant antitrust settlement. This includes nonprofits, closed businesses, and those that have declared bankruptcy. The settlement, estimated at $5.5 billion, aims to compensate merchants for alleged overcharges on interchange fees…
Latest News The NRA’s policy team has been hard at work protecting restaurant operators from regulatory and legislative changes that could negatively impact their businesses. By collaborating with industry allies and leveraging the strength of its members, the Association is addressing key challenges in areas such as alcohol regulations, corporate transparency, sodium reduction, and workplace…
Latest News The conversation about eliminating income taxes on tips is back on the table with the reintroduction of the No Tax on Tips Act of 2025. Initially championed by President Trump during his presidency, the bill aims to provide relief to tipped workers by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income. Reintroduced…
Latest News We are looking forward to our annual trip to Washington, D.C., April 1-3 to meet with our members of Congress and the Senate. With a new Congress taking office last week and the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President on January 20, we expect robust conversations on the priorities of our…
Latest News The tragedy that unfolded on New Year’s Day at 3:15 a.m. left our community shaken. A senseless truck attack on Bourbon Street claimed 14 lives, including Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook at DiMartino’s Restaurant, an LRA member. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the countless individuals affected by this…
Latest News Metairie, LA – The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and its Bourbon Street restaurant and bar members affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy will hold Fleur du Coeur: A Culinary Tribute, January 13-19, 2025. Participating restaurants will feature a special dish or drink on their menus, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Greater New Orleans Foundation…