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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 The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to recognize Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski as the 2026 Restaurateurs of the Year, the Association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, excellence, and commitment to Louisiana’s restaurant industry. For decades, Link and Stryjewski have helped shape Louisiana’s culinary reputation through award-winning restaurants, unwavering standards of hospitality,…
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Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Global Expedition Cocktail Competition, held Sunday, July 26, during the 2026 LRA Showcase, themed “Where Louisiana Meets the World.” Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company and produced by the Louisiana Restaurant…
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Latest News DIRECTV announced a new multi-year agreement with EverPass Media to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket via satellite and streaming to bars, restaurants and commercial venues nationwide through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS beginning with the 2026 NFL season. Under the agreement, DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS will serve as EverPass’ sales, marketing and commercial distribution partner for NFL…
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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…
Latest News A Personal Recollection from LRA SVP and Head of Communications, Wendy Waren This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and like so many New Orleanians, I can still remember the days leading up to it with painful clarity. On Saturday, August 27, 2005, I wanted to evacuate early. Katrina was already…
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.…
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…
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…
Latest News Metairie, La. – The shaker tins have settled, the ice has melted, and the judges have spoken. The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition, held August 3 at the 2025 LRA Showcase in New Orleans. Presented by Four…
Latest News Effective August 1, 2025, updates in Louisiana’s unemployment compensation system will be implemented to align with the outcome of recent legislation. Governor Landry has signed into law amendments to R.S. 23:1541(A) and 1576, aimed at enhancing employer contributions, managing the social charge account, and refining the unemployment benefit charges. Key Changes Include: Employer…
Latest News At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we work year-round to advocate for the restaurant and hospitality industry at the state Capitol, in local councils, and within agencies across Louisiana. And today, we’re proud to share that your voice has been heard on the federal level as well-thanks to our powerful partnership with the National…