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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 Education Foundation (LRAEF) is proud to celebrate Chalmette High School’s outstanding achievement at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, where the school’s ProStart Management Team earned 2nd Place in the nation. Competing against the top ProStart programs from across the country, Louisiana’s students showcased exceptional talent, professionalism,…
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Latest News From workforce policy and global supply chain volatility to talent development, today’s restaurant leaders are navigating a rapidly shifting landscape. The National Restaurant Association is hosting a three-part webinar series this spring to provide timely insights, practical strategies, and clear guidance on the issues shaping the industry today-and tomorrow. The Restaurant Industry’s Immigration…
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Latest News The Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) is calling on Louisiana Restaurant Association member chefs to take their place on one of the state’s most prestigious culinary stages. Set for June 26, 2026, at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, this high-energy competition brings together 12 of Louisiana’s top chefs for a live, fast-paced seafood showdown.…
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…