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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.

Think Before You Trust: Cybersecurity Tips for Business Owners

By tnorris95 | August 19, 2025 | Comments Off on Think Before You Trust: Cybersecurity Tips for Business Owners

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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Louisiana Restaurants Saved by Social Media Outcry

By tnorris95 | August 13, 2025 | Comments Off on Louisiana Restaurants Saved by Social Media Outcry

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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NRA Raises Alarm Over New Tariffs on Food and Beverages

By tnorris95 | August 6, 2025 | Comments Off on NRA Raises Alarm Over New Tariffs on Food and Beverages

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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Small Businesses Win Big in Federal Court

By tnorris95 | December 4, 2024 | Comments Off on Small Businesses Win Big in Federal Court
US Capital Building

Latest News In a significant victory for small businesses, a federal court has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This reporting mandate, requiring businesses with less than $5 million in revenue and fewer than 20 employees to disclose detailed ownership information, has been blocked for potentially overstepping…

LRA Supports Cassidy and Hassan’s Bill to Enhance Workforce Opportunities

By tnorris95 | December 3, 2024 | Comments Off on LRA Supports Cassidy and Hassan’s Bill to Enhance Workforce Opportunities

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…

Louisiana’s New Seafood Labeling Law: What Restaurants Need to Know

By tnorris95 | December 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Louisiana’s New Seafood Labeling Law: What Restaurants Need to Know
Indoor seafood market counter with hanging lights and a chalkboard menu.

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…

How Proposed Tariffs Could Impact Food CostsĀ 

By tnorris95 | December 3, 2024 | Comments Off on How Proposed Tariffs Could Impact Food CostsĀ 
Chef's hands garnishing a dish with herbs in a dimly lit setting.

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.…

Louisiana Sales Tax Rate Increases on January 1, 2025: What You Need to KnowĀ 

By tnorris95 | December 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Louisiana Sales Tax Rate Increases on January 1, 2025: What You Need to KnowĀ 
Red Arrow And Gold Colored Percentage Sign Sitting Over White Background

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)…

A Season of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Message from the LRA President & CEO

By tnorris95 | November 26, 2024 | Comments Off on A Season of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Message from the LRA President & CEO

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…

Prioritizing Food Safety: Essential Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season

By tnorris95 | November 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Prioritizing Food Safety: Essential Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season
Festive table setting with a roasted chicken, various side dishes, and glasses of wine.

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 ServSafeĀ® and the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA),…

National Apprenticeship Week: Highlighting the Success of LRAEF Apprenticeships

By tnorris95 | November 18, 2024 | Comments Off on National Apprenticeship Week: Highlighting the Success of LRAEF Apprenticeships

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…

Court Strikes Down 2024 Overtime Rule: What This Means for Restaurants

By tnorris95 | November 15, 2024 | Comments Off on Court Strikes Down 2024 Overtime Rule: What This Means for Restaurants
Judge gavel, scales of justice and law books in court.

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,…

Inaugural Baton Rouge ProStart Culinary Night Inspires Future Chefs

By tnorris95 | November 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Inaugural Baton Rouge ProStart Culinary Night Inspires Future Chefs
A group of people watch a chef demonstrating cooking food.

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…

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