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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 In today’s digital world, small businesses are always looking for ways to gain visibility. Media coverage can be a powerful growth tool, but it also creates opportunities for scammers. Recently, Lauren Haydel, owner of Fleurty Girl boutiques in New Orleans, Metairie, and Bay St. Louis, shared her close call with such a scam.…
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Latest News Across the country, restaurants are facing unprecedented challenges: skyrocketing food costs, higher rent, staffing shortages, and shifting customer habits. For some, these pressures have meant permanent closure. For others, the turning point came not from a bank loan or investor-but from a flood of social media posts. One striking national example came from…
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Latest News The Trump Administration’s recent announcement of new tariffs on food and beverage imports is drawing serious concern from the restaurant industry. These changes, which go into effect this month, are expected to raise the cost of key ingredients-potentially impacting everything from coffee and wine to burgers and beef. With wholesale food prices already…
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Latest News Immigration enforcement can be a daunting situation for any restaurant. If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrive at your establishment, it’s crucial to remain calm, follow legal procedures, and protect your business and employees’ rights. These best practices were presented by the Restaurant Law Center in partnership with Fisher Phillips LLP…
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…