Skip to content

Latest News

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.

Court Settlement Stays Crab Import Ban

By tnorris95 | November 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Court Settlement Stays Crab Import Ban

Latest News The U.S. Court of International Trade has stayed NOAA’s planned January 1, 2026, import ban on blue swimming crab from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka-a major development for seafood importers and restaurant operators who depend on these key overseas fisheries.  Key Takeaways Import Ban Paused: The scheduled January 1, 2026, import…

Read More

History Made: Michelin Guide Expands to the American South

By tnorris95 | November 5, 2025 | Comments Off on History Made: Michelin Guide Expands to the American South

Latest News For the first time, the American South has been included in the Michelin Guide, and we’re proud to celebrate our Louisiana Restaurant Association members recognized in this inaugural selection. LRA members were featured across multiple categories, including Recommended Eateries, Bib Gourmand honorees, and Michelin Star recipients. Congratulations to Emeril’s for earning two Michelin…

Read More

Elections Shape Local Leadership and Legislative Focus

By tnorris95 | October 21, 2025 | Comments Off on Elections Shape Local Leadership and Legislative Focus

Latest News New Orleans Mayoral and City Council Races The recent Oct. 11 elections in New Orleans reflected a clear mandate from the city’s voters. Helena Moreno was elected Mayor, while the City Council At-Large seats were won by JP Morrell (reelected with 66% of the vote) and Matthew Willard (59%), making them the first…

Read More

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…

Longshoremen’s Strike in Effect: What it Means for Restaurants

By brome | October 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Longshoremen’s Strike in Effect: What it Means for Restaurants
photo of the port, with shipping containers

Latest News As of midnight on October 1, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike is officially in effect, halting operations at key East Coast and Gulf ports. This strike is anticipated to cause significant disruptions in the restaurant supply chain, especially for products like seafood, fresh produce (including bananas), and imported European beverages such as…

Celebrating 40 Years of Leadership: Henry L. Coaxum, Jr. Marks Milestone with McDonald’s

By tnorris95 | September 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Celebrating 40 Years of Leadership: Henry L. Coaxum, Jr. Marks Milestone with McDonald’s

Latest News Congratulations to longtime Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) member and passionate advocate of the LRA Workers’ Comp program, Henry L. Coaxum, Jr., on his 40th anniversary as a McDonald’s franchisee! Henry began his journey with McDonald’s as a manager trainee in 1984, rising to become the owner/operator of three restaurants in New Orleans. His…

Jacob’s Andouille Named Best of the River Parishes for 4th Consecutive Year

By tnorris95 | September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Jacob’s Andouille Named Best of the River Parishes for 4th Consecutive Year

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to congratulate longtime member, Jacob’s Andouille, for being named Best Andouille in the Best of the River Parishes contest for the fourth consecutive year. This honor highlights the enduring legacy of Jacob’s Andouille and its significant contribution to LaPlace’s status as the Andouille Capital of the World. LaPlace, Louisiana, has earned…

NSFM Week 4: Inside the Health Dept.’s Response to Foodborne Outbreaks: What Should You Expect?

By tnorris95 | September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on NSFM Week 4: Inside the Health Dept.’s Response to Foodborne Outbreaks: What Should You Expect?

Latest News NFSM Week 4: Inside the Health Dept.’s Response to Foodborne Outbreaks: What Should You Expect? Even in the most well-run restaurants, a foodborne outbreak may occur. An outbreak is when multiple people get sick from eating the same food. Many foodborne outbreaks in restaurants are identified from customer complaints of illness to the…

NFSM Week 3: How to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses in Your Restaurant: Essential Tips

By tnorris95 | September 16, 2024 | Comments Off on NFSM Week 3: How to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses in Your Restaurant: Essential Tips

Latest News During week three of National Food Safety Month 2024, we’re focusing on ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses in restaurants. Proper prevention practices can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses. Follow these essential tips to protect your staff, your customers, and your reputation from outbreaks. Putting Personal Hygiene…

Business Recovery Resources Following Hurricane Francine

By wwaren@lra.org | September 11, 2024 | Comments Off on Business Recovery Resources Following Hurricane Francine

Latest News In the wake of Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Advocacy Team has compiled essential numbers and websites to assist you in the recovery process. We understand the complexities involved in gathering critical information during such challenging times, and we are here to help streamline your access to the resources you need. Our…

Scroll To Top