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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.

The Cost of Waiting: Why Prompt Workers’ Comp Reporting Matters

By qwilliams | October 22, 2026 | Comments Off on The Cost of Waiting: Why Prompt Workers’ Comp Reporting Matters

Latest News When a workplace injury occurs, reporting it immediately can make a meaningful difference in the employee’s recovery, workplace morale and the overall cost of a workers’ compensation claim. In the restaurant and hospitality industry, accidents can happen in an instant. Whether an employee suffers a burn, slip and fall, cut or other workplace…

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Celebrate the Year, Recognize Our Members: LRA Chapter Annual Meetings Are Coming Up!

By qwilliams | October 21, 2026 | Comments Off on Celebrate the Year, Recognize Our Members: LRA Chapter Annual Meetings Are Coming Up!

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) invites members to join their local chapter for the 2026 Annual Meetings and Awards Happy Hours! These gatherings are an opportunity to review the year’s business, celebrate the accomplishments of our chapters and recognize the LRA members who make our industry stronger, from long-standing members to those who…

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Mr. B’s Bistro Celebrates 647 Years of Combined Hospitality Service

By qwilliams | October 9, 2026 | Comments Off on Mr. B’s Bistro Celebrates 647 Years of Combined Hospitality Service

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association honored 21 employees of Mr. B’s Bistro on October 8 as Restaurant Legends, a recognition for people who have given 20 years or more to one restaurant. LRA President & CEO Stan Harris said, “Their dedication to their restaurants, coworkers and guests demonstrates that hospitality can provide meaningful, rewarding…

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18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off 

By tnorris95 | April 28, 2025 | Comments Off on 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off 
A group of people at an event with a man in a pink blazer holding an award, flanked by two men in blue shirts and brown aprons.

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…

Tariff Pause Offers a Brief Reprieve

By tnorris95 | April 14, 2025 | Comments Off on Tariff Pause Offers a Brief Reprieve
A person in a blue suit and red tie sits at a table with papers, gesturing with hands outstretched. An American flag and a flag with an eagle emblem are in the background.

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…

Crawfish of Connectivity: Strength in Numbers, Power in Advocacy

By tnorris95 | April 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Crawfish of Connectivity: Strength in Numbers, Power in Advocacy

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…

Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!

By tnorris95 | April 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!
Wooden gavel and calculator on a tax form.

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…

Leadership, Management, and Clear Communication: The Winning Formula

By tnorris95 | April 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Leadership, Management, and Clear Communication: The Winning Formula
Person in a white shirt with webinar details on a blue background.

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…

What Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs Mean for Food Costs

By tnorris95 | April 4, 2025 | Comments Off on What Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs Mean for Food Costs
Shipping containers obscured by yellow tape with the word "TARIFFS."

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…

Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!

By tnorris95 | April 3, 2025 | Comments Off on Think Non-Profits Don’t Pay Sales Tax? Think Again!
A round dining table with elegant place settings in a restaurant, overlaid with the text

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…

Practical Workforce Technology Strategies for Independent Restaurants

By tnorris95 | March 25, 2025 | Comments Off on Practical Workforce Technology Strategies for Independent Restaurants
Three people at a cafe counter with a digital tablet on a stand

Latest News The latest workforce technology report from the National Restaurant Association highlights trends shaping the industry. While many insights come from large national chains, independent restaurants, multi-unit operators, and franchisees often have different needs and financial constraints. Here’s how LRA members can leverage workforce technology in a practical and cost-effective way. 1. Streamlining Employee…

Key Issues for Louisiana’s Restaurant Industry

By tnorris95 | March 18, 2025 | Comments Off on Key Issues for Louisiana’s Restaurant Industry
A tall, ornate building surrounded by green lawns and a river in the background

Latest News By Stan Harris, President & CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association Mar 18, 2025 At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we are the trusted advisor for Louisiana’s restaurant industry. Advocacy is at the heart of our mission, ensuring that our members have a voice in decisions that impact their businesses. As engaged citizens and business owners,…

Tariff Hikes Threaten Restaurant Costs 

By tnorris95 | March 11, 2025 | Comments Off on Tariff Hikes Threaten Restaurant Costs 
A busy port with cranes and a cargo ship loaded with shipping containers.

Latest News As the restaurant industry navigates an evolving economic landscape, new trade developments are already making waves. In January, U.S. imports soared to a record high of $329.55 billion, up from $293.36 billion in December, as businesses rushed to bring in goods ahead of the anticipated tariffs. The U.S. trade deficit also spiked to…

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