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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 Behind the Kitchen Door: Stories from the Frontlines Welcome back to National Food Safety Month 2024! Last week, we explored the pathogens that most commonly cause foodborne disease in the United States. This week, we’re taking a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes of a foodborne illness outbreak. But there’s another…
Latest News Millions of Americans experience food poisoning each year, suffering symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. In some cases, those symptoms aren’t just disruptive – they’re life-threatening. That’s why, to kick off National Food Safety Month 2024, we’re focusing on some of the most common culprits behind foodborne illnesses. While food can become…
Latest News Each year in September for National Food Safety Month, we dive into a new food safety topic, and this year we’re focusing on understanding, managing, and preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. According to the CDC, more than half of all U.S. foodborne outbreaks are associated with restaurants and other foodservice institutions. National food and health…
Latest News Are you ready for a night of culinary excellence, local entertainment, and community spirit? Join us on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Gray, Louisiana, for the 10th Annual Bayou Culinary Showcase, proudly presented by Explore Houma and B&G Foods. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), is set to…
Latest News U.S. Court of Appeals Overturns 2021 Amendments to Dual Jobs Regulation What Happened In a significant win for restaurant operators, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on August 23 to nullify the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2021 Final Rule amending the “Dual Jobs” regulation. The court agreed with the Restaurant Law Center…
Latest News Louisiana’s rich oyster tradition isn’t just about delicious cuisine-it’s also about preserving our fragile coastline. Since 2014, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s (CRCL) Oyster Shell Recycling Program (OSRP) has played a critical role in this effort. By recycling oyster shells, restaurants can help restore vital oyster reefs that protect our coastlines from…
Latest News Baton Rouge is gaining a newfound respect for its elevated culinary offerings, with concept restaurants like those under City Group Hospitality (CGH) leading the charge. Now, a groundbreaking partnership between industry and academia is set to further elevate the region’s foodservice sector. This fall, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) proudly supports the launch…
Latest News On June 28, we learned that the U.S. District Court in Texas issued a limited temporary restraining order regarding the first phase of the DOL Overtime Rule that takes effect today, July 1, 2024. This decision temporarily exempts ONLY the State of Texas from the rule’s implementation. However, businesses in Louisiana (and nationwide) will…
FTC Cracks Down on Franchise Agreements: New Guidelines on Hidden Fees and Non-Disparagement Clauses
Latest News FTC Continues to Target Franchisors, Issues New Guidance On Friday, July 19, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took significant actions targeting franchisors, addressing concerns about hidden fees and non-disparagement clauses in franchise agreements. These recent announcements include: New FTC Guidance for Franchisors Ban on Hidden Fees: The FTC has issued guidance stating…
Latest News Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and Louisiana Libations, is proud to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown. The event, held on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at…