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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.

An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

By tnorris95 | December 22, 2025 | Comments Off on An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

Latest News For more than 31 years, Taste of Mardi Gras has been a beloved tradition in Central Louisiana. Year after year, this event has brought our community together to celebrate incredible food, drinks, and entertainment. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our restaurant and beverage partners, and we are…

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A Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit

By tnorris95 | December 9, 2025 | Comments Off on A Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit

Latest News Congress has delivered a long-awaited victory for restaurants and service-based businesses by ensuring employers receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the FICA taxes paid on employee tips. The LRA and National Restaurant Association worked directly with Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise to ensure the 45B credit was not used as a “pay…

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U.S. Lifts 40% Tariffs on Certain Brazilian Agricultural Goods

By tnorris95 | November 24, 2025 | Comments Off on U.S. Lifts 40% Tariffs on Certain Brazilian Agricultural Goods

Latest News President Trump signed an Executive Order removing select Brazilian agricultural products, including coffee and beef, from the 40 percent tariff imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This change applies only to the specific agricultural goods listed in the updated annex, and all other Brazilian imports such as non-agricultural and industrial items…

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2024 Election Outlook: Key Issues and What’s at Stake for the Restaurant Industry

By tnorris95 | November 1, 2024 | Comments Off on 2024 Election Outlook: Key Issues and What’s at Stake for the Restaurant Industry
Campaign button with "2024" and red, white, and blue star pattern.

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…

What’s on the Nov. 5 Ballot: 5 Key Constitutional Amendments

By wwaren@lra.org | October 30, 2024 | Comments Off on What’s on the Nov. 5 Ballot: 5 Key Constitutional Amendments

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…

Understanding Workers’ Compensation: A Necessary Component of Business in Louisiana

By wwaren@lra.org | October 30, 2024 | Comments Off on Understanding Workers’ Compensation: A Necessary Component of Business in Louisiana

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…

Get Ready for Renewal: Benefits of the LRA Workers Comp Program

By tnorris95 | October 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Get Ready for Renewal: Benefits of the LRA Workers Comp Program
Person writing in a notebook while holding a piece of paper, wearing a white sweater and blue apron.

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…

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Set to Deliver a Swift Lift to New Orleans’ Economy

By tnorris95 | October 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Set to Deliver a Swift Lift to New Orleans’ Economy
Taylor Swift wearing a pink dress flexing her arm.

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…

FTC Cracks Down on Misleading ‘Local’ Seafood Claims at Restaurants

By tnorris95 | October 8, 2024 | Comments Off on FTC Cracks Down on Misleading ‘Local’ Seafood Claims at Restaurants
Shrimp in a black bowl with green leaves and a lemon on a wooden table.

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…

Register Now: Webinar on everything you need to know about Beneficial Ownership filing

By tnorris95 | October 4, 2024 | Comments Off on Register Now: Webinar on everything you need to know about Beneficial Ownership filing
Two people discussing something over a laptop in a café setting.

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…

New Analysis Explains Challenges of Higher Costs, Menu Price Increases

By tnorris95 | October 4, 2024 | Comments Off on New Analysis Explains Challenges of Higher Costs, Menu Price Increases

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…

ILA Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement, Ports Set to Reopen

By tnorris95 | October 4, 2024 | Comments Off on ILA Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement, Ports Set to Reopen
Busy port with cranes and shipping containers at sunset, city skyline in background.

Latest News The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike has come to an end following a tentative agreement between the union and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The strike, which disrupted ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coast, will now see workers returning to their jobs, with ports expected to reopen October 4, 2024. …

Supporting Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

By wwaren@lra.org | October 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Supporting Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts: How You Can Help
Three rescue workers

Latest News The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left many communities in the Gulf Coast of Florida and extending through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia in urgent need of assistance. While our area was impacted by the storm, the damage pales in comparison to what we’re seeing from our neighbors. The widespread…

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