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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 Today marks the start of Louisiana’s third special session of 2024, where Governor Jeff Landry aims to address tax reform. The proposed changes include restructuring income tax, broadening sales tax, and repealing the corporate franchise tax, all of which could have significant impacts on restaurant owners and Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) members. The…
Latest News The workplace can feel uncertain post-election, as diverse perspectives intersect. On Thursday, November 7, at 1 p.m. Central, the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) is hosting a timely webinar to address these dynamics. Designed for foodservice and hospitality professionals, this session provides practical strategies for fostering civility, promoting respectful conversations, and reinforcing…
Latest News In recent years, U.S. elections have seen unprecedented shifts in party control across Congress and the White House, often signaling new priorities for industries nationwide. The National Restaurant Association has released a comprehensive memo to help stakeholders understand the potential impacts of the 2024 election outcomes on key industry issues. From changes in…
Latest News Voters in Louisiana will be considering five proposed amendments to the state Constitution in this fall’s election, split between the Nov. 5 and Dec. 7 ballots. These proposals address topics including coastal restoration funding, legislative procedures for budget approval, judicial oversight, and tax sales. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) has…
Latest News In Louisiana, the law mandates that most employers provide Workers’ Compensation insurance for their employees. This requirement extends to all workers, regardless of their employment status-whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or even minors. While there are some exceptions, such as domestic employees and certain real estate salespersons, the general rule is clear: if you…
Latest News For 42 years, the LRA Workers’ Comp program has served as the best option for Louisiana’s restaurant and hospitality industry. The renewal process begins in December with the arrival of the renewal packets. For those who have yet to take advantage of this valuable member benefit, now is the perfect time to let…
Latest News When Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to New Orleans on October 25, 26, and 27, the city will experience an economic impact as monumental as a weekend packed with three Super Bowls. With 150,000 Swifties expected to descend on the Crescent City-just ahead of Halloween, no less-restaurants, shops, and hotels are preparing…
Latest News Recently, ten seafood restaurants received warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over misleading advertising practices. These warnings focused on restaurants falsely promoting their seafood as “wild-caught” or “American-sourced” when, in reality, it was farm-raised and imported from foreign sources. This crackdown comes in response to increasing complaints from the U.S. seafood…
Latest News Deadline approaching: Operators required to file information about their beneficial owners-the individuals who ultimately own or control their companies-to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), must report by the end of the year. Restaurant owners with 20 or fewer full-time employees and less than $5M in annual sales will likely need to file. This webinar…
Latest News Restaurants across the U.S. are grappling with rising food and labor costs, and Louisiana operators are facing even greater pressure due to skyrocketing insurance premiums. According to the National Restaurant Association, food costs have surged 29% over the past four years, and labor costs have increased 31%. Together, these two expenses account for…