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 (LRA) is proud to partner with New Orleans & Company to welcome two of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions-the Bocuse d’Or Americas and the Pastry World Cup Americas-to New Orleans as part of the 2026 LRA Showcase. On Saturday, July 25, attendees can experience the Pastry World Cup…
Read More
Latest News The restaurant industry has never stood still. From online ordering and mobile payments to kitchen automation and digital marketing, operators have continually adapted to meet changing consumer expectations. Today, artificial intelligence is driving the next evolution-and it’s happening faster than many realize. That’s why the Louisiana Restaurant Association is excited to welcome internationally…
Read More
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) will welcome thousands of restaurant and hospitality professionals from across Louisiana and the Gulf South to the 73rd Annual LRA Showcase, July 25-26, 2026, in Hall I of the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Designed exclusively for industry professionals, the LRA Showcase features hundreds of exhibiting companies showcasing…
Read More
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…
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…