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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 Big dreams are heating up in the kitchen for ProStart students from W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette! The Louisiana Restaurant Association is thrilled to share that this talented group was selected for the first-ever JumpStart Initiative by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). From May 17-20, the students…
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Latest News Students create and pitch an original restaurant concept, complete with a business proposal, marketing plan, and operations strategy Chalmette High School’s ProStart Management Team has made Louisiana history, capturing first place at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), held May 2-4 in Baltimore, Maryland. Competing against the best and brightest ProStart students from…
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Latest News Sponsored by TABASCO Brand & Zea Rotisserie & Grill The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and its Education Foundation proudly announce that two Louisiana ProStart teams captured state championships and are headed to the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, MD. In thrilling competitions held March 19-20 in New Orleans, ProStart students from…
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Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is applauding U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s leadership in introducing the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act, alongside Senator Maggie Hassan. This legislation seeks to strengthen the WOTC, a vital federal tax credit that has historically helped employers connect with individuals facing employment barriers, including…
Latest News Effective January 1, 2025, Louisiana’s updated seafood labeling law aims to promote transparency by providing accurate information about the origin of crawfish and shrimp served in food establishments. Replacing previous labeling requirements, the new law emphasizes truth in advertising while supporting Louisiana’s renowned seafood industry. Here’s a breakdown of what the law entails…
Latest News President-elect Donald Trump’s recent statements about imposing tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China have stirred concerns across industries, especially for the U.S. foodservice and restaurant sectors. With these three countries being the U.S.’s top trading partners, such tariffs could significantly affect the supply chain and pricing of food and beverage commodities.…
Latest News Starting January 1, 2025, Louisiana’s state sales tax rate will increase from 4.45% to 5%. While this increase applies uniformly across all parishes, combined state and local sales tax rates will vary depending on your location. In many areas, these rates will exceed 10%, so businesses should prepare to update their Point-of-Sale (POS)…
Latest News As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time to reflect on what truly matters-the connections we share, the communities we build, and the gratitude we hold for those who make our lives richer. For the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), this season is an opportunity to celebrate and thank the incredible members of Louisiana’s restaurant and…
Latest News The holiday season is upon us, and Thanksgiving kicks off the festivities with family, friends, and incredible meals. Whether you’re preparing a home-cooked feast, ordering from a favorite restaurant, or combining both, food safety should always be a priority. The National Restaurant Association, in partnership with ServSafe® and the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA),…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing the inspiring journeys of apprentices who have thrived in our Restaurant Apprenticeship Program. This initiative connects aspiring hospitality professionals with valuable on-the-job learning experiences, supported by classroom instruction to help them build the foundation for long-term success in the…
Latest News In a significant victory for the restaurant industry, a federal court in Texas has struck down the Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2024 Overtime Rule. This decision prevents sweeping changes to salary thresholds that could have financially burdened businesses nationwide. The Restaurant Law Center and the Texas Restaurant Association, with Angelo Amador as co-counsel,…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) hosted the first Baton Rouge ProStart Student Culinary Night on November 12, 2024, at the East Baton Rouge Career and Technical Education Center (EBR CTEC). This exciting event welcomed 50 ProStart students from 8 area high schools to explore their passion for the culinary arts and…
Latest News Deadline to Report Beneficial Ownership Approaching: Avoid Daily Fines The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is responsible for combatting financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorist financing. One of FinCEN’s key initiatives is the enforcement of beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency…