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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 The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to recognize Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski as the 2026 Restaurateurs of the Year, the Association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, excellence, and commitment to Louisiana’s restaurant industry. For decades, Link and Stryjewski have helped shape Louisiana’s culinary reputation through award-winning restaurants, unwavering standards of hospitality,…
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Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Global Expedition Cocktail Competition, held Sunday, July 26, during the 2026 LRA Showcase, themed “Where Louisiana Meets the World.” Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company and produced by the Louisiana Restaurant…
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Latest News DIRECTV announced a new multi-year agreement with EverPass Media to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket via satellite and streaming to bars, restaurants and commercial venues nationwide through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS beginning with the 2026 NFL season. Under the agreement, DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS will serve as EverPass’ sales, marketing and commercial distribution partner for NFL…
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Latest News Charlie Goodson never set out to become a restaurant legend-but hospitality found him anyway. What started in 1967 as a bartending job while struggling through engineering courses turned into a lifetime devoted to restaurants, people, and community. As Charlie once put it, “I started going to school less and working more.” That honesty,…
Latest News The Trump Administration has released the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) is proud to see the restaurant industry-and its Kids LiveWell® (KLW) program-recognized as part of the solution. Throughout the development of the Guidelines, the NRA worked closely with leaders at the White House, USDA, and…
Latest News Louisiana is rolling out a new online state and local sales and use tax filing system, now accessible through Parish E-File. Beginning January 1, 2026, businesses may file using a Combined State and Local Sales Tax Return, which will be used for January 2026 sales tax returns due in February 2026. This new…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) proudly celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2026, marking eight decades of advocacy, education, and leadership on behalf of Louisiana’s vibrant hospitality industry. As the Association looks ahead to the next chapter of service, the LRA announced its 2026 Volunteer Leadership, led by Octavio Mantilla, Co-Founder and Owner of…
Latest News 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast from the National Restaurant Association forecasts top menu trends for next year The National Restaurant Association (NRA) released its highly anticipated 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, highlighting the trends set to shape America’s menus in the coming year. The report, based on insights from hundreds of culinary professionals…
Latest News LRA Workers’ Comp renewal information has been sent by email and mail to participating members. Designed specifically for Louisiana’s hospitality industry, the program provides dependable coverage, local and responsive claims support, loss prevention services to help reduce workplace incidents, and potential dividend opportunities for eligible members. Members who are not currently enrolled are…
Latest News On December 23, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released public guidance addressing how businesses should handle cash transactions as pennies become increasingly scarce. This long-awaited guidance follows months of advocacy by national business groups, including direct engagement with Treasury officials and a formal letter from industry leadership urging action. The guidance explains…
Latest News For more than 31 years, Taste of Mardi Gras has been a beloved tradition in Central Louisiana. Year after year, this event has brought our community together to celebrate incredible food, drinks, and entertainment. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our restaurant and beverage partners, and we are…
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…