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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.

Donald Link & Stephen Stryjewski Named 2026 LRA Restaurateurs of the Year

By qwilliams | August 5, 2026 | Comments Off on Donald Link & Stephen Stryjewski Named 2026 LRA Restaurateurs of the Year

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to recognize Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski as the 2026 Restaurateurs of the Year, the Association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, excellence, and commitment to Louisiana’s restaurant industry. For decades, Link and Stryjewski have helped shape Louisiana’s culinary reputation through award-winning restaurants, unwavering standards of hospitality,…

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Winners Announced: Four Roses Bourbon Global Expedition Cocktail Competition Celebrates Louisiana’s World-Class Bartending Talent

By qwilliams | August 3, 2026 | Comments Off on Winners Announced: Four Roses Bourbon Global Expedition Cocktail Competition Celebrates Louisiana’s World-Class Bartending Talent

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Global Expedition Cocktail Competition, held Sunday, July 26, during the 2026 LRA Showcase, themed “Where Louisiana Meets the World.” Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company and produced by the Louisiana Restaurant…

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NFL Sunday Ticket Available on DIRECTV for Business Through New Agreement with EverPass

By qwilliams | August 3, 2026 | Comments Off on NFL Sunday Ticket Available on DIRECTV for Business Through New Agreement with EverPass

Latest News DIRECTV announced a new multi-year agreement with EverPass Media to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket via satellite and streaming to bars, restaurants and commercial venues nationwide through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS beginning with the 2026 NFL season. Under the agreement, DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS will serve as EverPass’ sales, marketing and commercial distribution partner for NFL…

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LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars

By tnorris95 | March 11, 2025 | Comments Off on LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars

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:…

New Leader for LRA Workers’ Comp

By tnorris95 | February 19, 2025 | Comments Off on New Leader for LRA Workers’ Comp
Dustin Hebert. White male wearing a dark suit with blue tie and white shirt

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…

Restaurant Tech Today: Driving Efficiency and Profitability

By tnorris95 | February 17, 2025 | Comments Off on Restaurant Tech Today: Driving Efficiency and Profitability
Person in an orange cap using a touchscreen kiosk in a dimly lit, modern setting.

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…

How Gen Z & Millennials Are Redefining Dining

By tnorris95 | February 14, 2025 | Comments Off on How Gen Z & Millennials Are Redefining Dining
A drive-thru transaction with a person in a car receiving a plastic bag from a window in a red building.

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…

Restaurant Industry 2025: Growth & Challenges

By tnorris95 | February 13, 2025 | Comments Off on Restaurant Industry 2025: Growth & Challenges
Server placing a dish on a table in a warmly lit restaurant with exposed brick walls and large windows.

Latest News The restaurant industry continues to evolve, balancing opportunity with cautious optimism in 2025. These insights were presented in the State of the Restaurant Industry 2025  National Restaurant Association. With industry sales projected to reach $1.5 trillion and employment expected to grow by 200,000 jobs to 15.9 million, operators face challenges in recruitment, labor…

Generational Shifts Reshaping the Restaurant Industry in 2025

By tnorris95 | February 12, 2025 | Comments Off on Generational Shifts Reshaping the Restaurant Industry in 2025
A group of young people standing in a line, each focused on their smartphones, immersed in their devices against a brick wall backdrop.

Latest News The insights shared in the State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 report, presented by the National Restaurant Association, offer a detailed overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. It’s crucial for restaurateurs to understand how generational shifts are influencing staffing, spending behaviors, and dining preferences post pandemic. With industry projections indicating…

Parade Season Compliance: Key Tips for 2025

By tnorris95 | February 12, 2025 | Comments Off on Parade Season Compliance: Key Tips for 2025
A well-stocked bar displaying various bottles of spirits along with an array of wine glasses and decanters on a shiny surface.

Latest News Parade Season Compliance: Key Tips for 2025 As the parade season kicks in the coming weeks, expect heightened compliance measures from regulatory authorities, particularly those involved in public safety. Fire Marshal Compliance The Fire Marshal will be on the lookout to ensure premise capacities are adhered to. Deputy marshals will be present in…

Best Practices for Restaurants When ICE Visits Your Establishment

By tnorris95 | February 11, 2025 | Comments Off on Best Practices for Restaurants When ICE Visits Your Establishment
Logo of Fisher Phillips on a blue background, featuring legal and business icons representing their law firm's focus areas.

Latest News Immigration enforcement can be a daunting situation for any restaurant. If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrive at your establishment, it’s crucial to remain calm, follow legal procedures, and protect your business and employees’ rights. These best practices were presented by the Restaurant Law Center in partnership with Fisher Phillips LLP…

The Red Beans of Reliability: Why LRA Membership is a Staple for Your Business

By tnorris95 | February 10, 2025 | Comments Off on The Red Beans of Reliability: Why LRA Membership is a Staple for Your Business
Close-up of red beans with overlaid text "RED BEANS of Reliability and Louisiana Restaurant Association white logo

Latest News Just like a simmering pot of red beans on a Monday, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is a trusted staple in the hospitality industry-reliable, consistent, and always there when you need it. For generations, restaurants across the state have counted on the LRA for advocacy, education, and support, ensuring their success just as…

Louisiana Oyster Harvesting Update: Area 3 Closure

By tnorris95 | February 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Louisiana Oyster Harvesting Update: Area 3 Closure
Close-up of open oyster shells with raw oysters inside, arranged on a dark surface.

Latest News The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (WLF) have informed us of a temporary closure of oyster harvesting in Area 3. This precautionary measure comes after Alabama health officials raised concerns about a potential foodborne illness. Out of an abundance of caution, harvest from Area 3 has…

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