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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 A workplace injury doesn’t always mean an employee has to stay off the job until they are fully recovered. LRA Workers’ Comp’s new Return-to-Work (RTW) Program helps employers safely transition injured employees back to work through temporary light-duty or modified tasks that meet their medical restrictions. A structured return-to-work plan can help employees…
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Latest News The food safety risks you can’t see can be some of the most important to prevent. For Week 3 of National Food Safety Month, the focus is on preventing cross-contamination-an essential ingredient in the Recipe for Food Safety Success. From raw ingredients and shared equipment to hands and food-contact surfaces, small oversights can…
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Latest News One night. Some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Great food, cocktails, music and prizes-all for a great cause. On Tuesday, October 13, Parkway Bakery & Tavern is opening its doors on a normally closed Tuesday for Throw Down for the Future, a fundraiser benefiting the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF). The idea…
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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…
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 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…
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,…
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…
Latest News The Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is exploring food policy changes that could impact restaurants nationwide. With a focus on improving public health, MAHA aims to increase transparency in the food supply, promote “better for you” ingredients, and scrutinize…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is investing in the future of the hospitality industry by awarding $60,000 in scholarships to its 2025 LRAEF Scholars Class. These scholarships provide vital support to Louisiana students pursuing careers in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Honorees will be recognized at Serving the Future:…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Fund (LRA WC) has appointed Dustin Hebert as its new General Manager. With over 20 years of experience and a family legacy in insurance, Hebert is well-prepared to lead the program’s continued growth and support Louisiana’s hospitality industry. Serving Louisiana’s Hospitality Industry Since 1982 Founded…
Latest News How Digital Innovation is Reshaping Front and Back-of-House Operations Technology is transforming the restaurant industry, helping operators tackle rising labor costs and ongoing workforce shortages. These insights were presented in the State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 webinar by Hudson Riehle, SVP of Research and Knowledge, and Chad Moutray, VP of Research and…
Latest News From Snacking to Sustainability, What Drives Younger Diners? Consumer habits are evolving rapidly, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the transformation of the restaurant industry. These insights were highlighted in the State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 webinar, presented by the National Restaurant Association. With these two generations now outnumbering Gen X and…