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​We are thrilled to announce that registration for the 2023 Public Affairs Conference is now open.  The conference is June 19-21 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. 
 
Here’s what you need to know about the flow of the conference, as well as key information when registering.

Public Affairs Conference Structure

Monday, June 19: “Welcome to Washington” evening reception.
Tuesday: Public Affairs Conference starts in the afternoon.  The NRAEF Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards will be held Tuesday evening. We plan to reserve time Tuesday morning to hold a meeting with SRA executives, but there will be no formal CSRA meetings given the proximity to the CSRA Summer Conference.
Wednesday: Public Affairs Conference content in the morning.  Hill visits rest of the day.  Capitol Hill reception that evening. 
Thursday: No conference programming. Optional day for additional Hill visits.

How to Register: Go to https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=709670&
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Early Bird Discount: Conference attendees who register before March 31 will receive 50% off conference pricing.  We expect we will sell out – register early.

Click Here for the Conference Schedule

AT A GLANCE

RESTAURANT PERFORMANCE INDEX: ▼ -0.8%
RESTAURANT JOBS: ▲ +62,100
RESTAURANT SALES: ▲ +0.9%

Note: Figures reflect November data and represent change from previous month

MONTH IN REVIEW
 
Consumers ramped up their spending in restaurants in November—potentially at the expense of other retailers. Eating and drinking place sales rose 0.9% in November, while consumer spending in non-restaurant retail sectors fell 0.8%.
One reason why consumers can sustain elevated levels of spending even in the face of decades-high inflation is the significant amount of savings that households have on their balance sheets. Another somewhat more concerning reason is the increased use of credit cards—many of which were safely stowed away during the early months of the pandemic.

BY THE NUMBERS
 
54% of restaurant operators reporting higher same-store sales in November.

30 - Number of states with restaurant employment below pre-pandemic levels.

24% of restaurant operators reporting higher customer traffic in November.


THE DEEP DIVE

Consumers boosted their restaurant spending
Elevated consumer spending is being supported by excess household savings and the increased use of credit cards. 

Restaurant workforce recovery continued
November marked the 23rd consecutive month of employment growth, but the industry was still 462,000 jobs below pre-pandemic levels.
 
Average wholesale food prices jumped 3.1%
November represented the 18th increase in the last 23 months; 15 of those monthly gains topped 1%. 

Menu prices rose 8.5% during the last 12 months
Fullservice prices rose 9% during the last 12 months—well above the 6.7% gain in prices for limited-service meals and snacks.

Scholarship Fund to aid students for 13th consecutive year

Metairie, LA— The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is now accepting applications for its annual LRAEF Scholars Program for students entering college or already working in the industry to pursue careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. The application deadline is February 3, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be announced in March 2023.
 
The LRAEF Scholars Program was created in 2009 to provide financial support for individuals interested in furthering their education to support a career in the culinary, hospitality, or related industries. With the 2023 grants, the LRAEF will have awarded approximately $700,000 since the program’s inception.
 
“The dollars that fund our LRAEF Scholars are generated by LRA members and chapters from around Louisiana who encourage interested students to apply,” noted LRAEF President & CEO Stan Harris. “We encourage LRA members to share the information with their employees who may be attending or returning to college in culinary arts or restaurant management.”
 
Applicants must be currently enrolled, or accepted in a bachelor and/or associate degree program in order to pursue or further a career in the restaurant or hospitality industry. Courses of study can include, but are not limited to culinary, hospitality, tourism, business and management programs. Scholarship awards are merit-based and will vary based on available funds.
 
The following scholarships will be awarded in 2023:
 

• Jim Funk Scholarship: Established in 2012 and is the LRAEF’s most prestigious award. It honors former LRA President & CEO Jim Funk, who guided the creation of the LRAEF during his 30 years with the organization. This is presented to the top scholarship applicant for the 2023 cycle and is renewable on an annual basis for up to four years, provided that minimum GPA and enrollment standards are achieved.
• LRAEF Scholars: Awarded to qualified Louisiana students who intend to pursue a career in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, or hospitality industry. ProStart students who completed the Certificate of Achievement will be given priority.
• Louisiana Seafood Scholarship: Established through a generous gift from the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, this scholarship is awarded to qualified applicants who show an interest in cultivating, protecting and promoting Louisiana seafood.

 
The online application can be accessed at www.LRAEF.org and must be completed by February 3, 2023.
 
“The LRAEF Scholars program is a key part of our mission of education and promotion of career opportunities, especially in the culinary and hospitality industries,” said LRAEF Executive Director Jonathan Baynham. “These industries provide great training for young people, as well as a path to economic advancement.”
 
The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the industry’s service to the public through education, promotion of career opportunities and community engagement. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Jonathan Baynham at jbaynham@lra.org.
 
The LRAEF is grateful to its annual partners: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Auto-Chlor System, Acme Oyster House and Ecolab.
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ProStart is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
 
ProStart is a two-year, culinary management program for high school juniors and seniors with a curriculum designed to teach students culinary techniques as well as restaurant management skills. ProStart is in 56 high schools statewide and more than 2,000 students participate in the program.  
 
As the philanthropic foundation of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, the LRA Education Foundation exists to enhance the industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.
 
The Louisiana Restaurant Association is one of the largest business organizations in the state, representing restaurant operations and related businesses.                                                                    
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