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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 Act 751, which takes effect Saturday, August 1, prohibits a restaurant or any merchant from imposing any surcharge on a transaction processed as a debit card. The Act defines a surcharge as “any additional amount of money” imposed on the customer who uses a debit card and expressly provides that a restaurant or…
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Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) recognized outstanding leaders in Louisiana’s hospitality industry during the 2026 LRA Awards Ceremony at the 73rd LRA Showcase, held as part of the Association’s 80th Anniversary celebration. The LRA’s highest honor, Restaurateurs of the Year, was presented to Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski for their exceptional leadership, nationally…
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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…
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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…
Latest News New Orleans & Company, Sirha Food, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association are bringing the Americas selections of the Pastry World Cup and Bocuse d’Or back to New Orleans in July 2026. For the first time, these prestigious international competitions will take place alongside the 2026 LRA Showcase at the New Orleans Ernest N.…
Latest News On September 5, Zea Rotisserie & Bar celebrated a milestone moment-recognizing more than 300 combined years of service from 15 dedicated team members. The occasion was marked with a special breakfast honoring employees who have made Zea their career home for decades. This recognition is part of the Restaurant Legends Award, established in…
Latest News Each year on the third Friday of September, Americans pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring hope surrounding our nation’s Prisoners of War (POWs) and those still Missing in Action (MIA). In 2025, National POW/MIA Recognition Day falls on Friday, September 19, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association joins the Lt. Governor in…
Latest News Prices continued to rise in July, though not quite as quickly as the previous month. The government’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report, the inflation measure the Federal Reserve watches most closely, showed overall prices up 0.2% from June, slightly lower than June’s 0.3% increase. Compared with a year ago, prices remain 2.6% higher,…
Latest News Seafood is a cornerstone of Louisiana’s culinary identity and our state’s restaurant industry. From shrimp and oysters to redfish and crab, the vitality of our fisheries directly impacts the menus we proudly serve and the communities we sustain. That’s why we urge our members to take part in an important opportunity to shape…