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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.

Renewal Season is Here: LRA Workers’ Comp Delivers Industry-Focused Protection

By tnorris95 | December 30, 2025 | Comments Off on Renewal Season is Here: LRA Workers’ Comp Delivers Industry-Focused Protection

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…

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Treasury Issues Guidance on Penny Shortages: What It Means for Small Businesses

By tnorris95 | December 29, 2025 | Comments Off on Treasury Issues Guidance on Penny Shortages: What It Means for Small Businesses

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…

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An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

By tnorris95 | December 22, 2025 | Comments Off on An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

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…

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Maximize Game Day Profits!

By tnorris95 | May 1, 2025 | Comments Off on Maximize Game Day Profits!
Patrons in a bar watching a football game on multiple large TVs above the bar counter.

Latest News Join Us for “The Sports Playbook” Webinar Series with DIRECTV for Business In keeping with our 2025 LRA Membership Engagement Plan, the Louisiana Restaurant Association is excited to partner with DIRECTV for Business to offer you two exclusive webinars designed to help you cash in on live sports programming this year. Whether you’re…

18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off 

By tnorris95 | April 28, 2025 | Comments Off on 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off 
A group of people at an event with a man in a pink blazer holding an award, flanked by two men in blue shirts and brown aprons.

Latest News Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board officially announced the Northshore as the location for the 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO). This year’s competition moves to The Harbor Center in Slidell, our venue partner, on Friday, June 27, 2025. This will be the first time the competition…

Tariff Pause Offers a Brief Reprieve

By tnorris95 | April 14, 2025 | Comments Off on Tariff Pause Offers a Brief Reprieve
A person in a blue suit and red tie sits at a table with papers, gesturing with hands outstretched. An American flag and a flag with an eagle emblem are in the background.

Latest News President Trump has announced a 90-day pause on broad-based tariffs, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on Chinese imports. For the restaurant and hospitality industry, this temporary delay does not mean we’re in the clear. If anything, it introduces more uncertainty into an already volatile economic environment. Uncertainty Is the Real Threat The biggest challenge…

Crawfish of Connectivity: Strength in Numbers, Power in Advocacy

By tnorris95 | April 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Crawfish of Connectivity: Strength in Numbers, Power in Advocacy

Latest News Just like a crawfish boil brings people together, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) create a network of support, advocacy, and resources that strengthen Louisiana’s restaurant industry at every level-local, state, and national. A recent survey of restaurateurs nationwide by the NRA revealed that LRA members are more…

Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!

By tnorris95 | April 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!
Wooden gavel and calculator on a tax form.

Latest News At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we frequently receive questions from our members regarding sales tax exemptions for non-profit organizations. Many assume that being a “tax-exempt” organization automatically means exemption from all taxes, but that is not the case. This clarification comes from the Louisiana Department of Revenue Attorney, Tax Policy and Planning, and…

Leadership, Management, and Clear Communication: The Winning Formula

By tnorris95 | April 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Leadership, Management, and Clear Communication: The Winning Formula
Person in a white shirt with webinar details on a blue background.

Latest News Presented by RestaurantOwner.com & the Louisiana Restaurant Association Managing people is always a challenge, and in today’s competitive labor market, strong leadership and communication skills are more important than ever. That’s why RestaurantOwner.com and the Louisiana Restaurant Association are proud to present Leadership, Management, and Clear Communication: The Winning Formula-an exclusive session designed…

What Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs Mean for Food Costs

By tnorris95 | April 4, 2025 | Comments Off on What Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs Mean for Food Costs
Shipping containers obscured by yellow tape with the word "TARIFFS."

Latest News President Trump has issued an executive order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose a baseline 10% tariff on all foreign-origin goods, excluding Canada and Mexico. Additional, higher reciprocal tariffs will target countries with significant trade imbalances with the U.S., including China, Japan, the European Union, and Vietnam. These tariffs…

Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!

By tnorris95 | April 3, 2025 | Comments Off on Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!
A round dining table with elegant place settings in a restaurant, overlaid with the text

Latest News At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we frequently receive questions from our members regarding sales tax exemptions for non-profit organizations. Many assume that being a “tax-exempt” organization automatically means exemption from all taxes, but that is not the case. This clarification comes from the Louisiana Department of Revenue Attorney, Tax Policy and Planning, and…

Practical Workforce Technology Strategies for Independent Restaurants

By tnorris95 | March 25, 2025 | Comments Off on Practical Workforce Technology Strategies for Independent Restaurants
Three people at a cafe counter with a digital tablet on a stand

Latest News The latest workforce technology report from the National Restaurant Association highlights trends shaping the industry. While many insights come from large national chains, independent restaurants, multi-unit operators, and franchisees often have different needs and financial constraints. Here’s how LRA members can leverage workforce technology in a practical and cost-effective way. 1. Streamlining Employee…

Key Issues for Louisiana’s Restaurant Industry

By tnorris95 | March 18, 2025 | Comments Off on Key Issues for Louisiana’s Restaurant Industry
A tall, ornate building surrounded by green lawns and a river in the background

Latest News By Stan Harris, President & CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association Mar 18, 2025 At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we are the trusted advisor for Louisiana’s restaurant industry. Advocacy is at the heart of our mission, ensuring that our members have a voice in decisions that impact their businesses. As engaged citizens and business owners,…

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