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LRA Announces the 2019 Officers and Directors of its Northeast Chapter

11/28/2018

 
The Louisiana Restaurant Association is pleased to announce the 2019 Officers and Directors of its Northeast Chapter. The chapter leadership was installed by 2019 LRA Chair Paul Rotner during the Annual Installation Dinner, November 26, 2018, at Warehouse No. 1 in Monroe.

Serving as the 2019 LRA Northeast Chapter President will be Darrell Whaley, store leader at Taco Bell in West Monroe. The 2019 Slate of Officers as recommended by the Nominating Committee are as follows:
  • President – Darrell Whaley, Taco Bell
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Joe Danna, Reinhart Foodservice

​The 2019 LRA Northeast Chapter Board of Directors includes:
  • Alana Cooper, Monroe-West Monroe CVB
  • Darrell Whaley, Taco Bell
  • David Hearn, Catfish Cabin
  • David Massey, Massey’s Meat Market
  • Jane Weems, Waterfront Grill
  • Jim Doull, Taco Tio, Inc.
  • Joe Danna, Reinhart Foodservice
  • Lindsay Leavitt, Portico
  • Tara Ambrose, Tara’s Taste of the Town
  • Terri Kent, The Kitchen Restaurant
  • Thomas R. Hardy, Riverside Coney Island

Updated CDC Guidance on Romaine Outbreak

11/27/2018

 
The CDC has posted additional guidance regarding the romaine lettuce recall.  The key action points to share with members are below.  Additionally, here are 5 Tips to Follow When a Recall Happens.  We are still using this statement if contacted by media. 
 
“Quality ingredients are essential to the dining experience in restaurants in local communities across the country. We urge all restaurants to take the necessary precautions and follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.” —William Weichelt, National Restaurant Association, Director of Food Safety and Industry Relations


CDC Recommendations:
  • Based on discussions with producers and distributors, romaine lettuce entering the market will now be labeled with a harvest location and a harvest date or labeled as being hydroponically- or greenhouse-grown. If it does not have this information, you should not eat or use it.
  • If romaine lettuce does have this labeling information, we advise avoiding any product from the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California. Romaine lettuce from outside those regions need not be avoided.
  • Romaine lettuce that was harvested outside of the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. Hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown romaine also does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. There is no recommendation for consumers or retailers to avoid using romaine harvested from these sources.

Read the full CDC post here. 

Thanksgiving Holiday

11/21/2018

 
The LRA will be closed on Thursday, November 21, and Friday, November 22,  in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. 

CDC E.coli Guidance

11/21/2018

 
The CDC released guidance calling for the complete removal of romaine lettuce from the food supply, including in restaurants.  Should you receive any media inquiries on this, please feel free to share this statement. 
 
“Quality ingredients are essential to the dining experience in restaurants in local communities across the country. We urge all restaurants to take the necessary precautions and follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.” —William Weichelt, National Restaurant Association, Director of Food Safety and Industry Relations. 

LRA Announces the 2019 Officers and Directors of its Greater New Orleans Chapter

11/19/2018

 
Picture
The Louisiana Restaurant Association is pleased to announce the 2019 Officers and Directors of its Greater New Orleans Chapter. The chapter leadership was installed by 2019 LRA Chair Paul Rotner during the Annual Awards and Installation Dinner, November 18, 2018, at the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans.

Serving as the 2019 LRA GNO Chapter President will be Ryan Haro, general manager at Manning’s in New Orleans. The 2019 Slate of Officers as recommended by the Nominating Committee are as follows:
​
  • President – Ryan Haro, Manning’s
  • 1st Vice President – Patrick Gros, Bienvenue Bar & Grill
  • 2nd Vice President – Mark Latter, Tujagues
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Scot Craig, Katie’s Restaurant
  • Member At Large – Helen LeBourgeois,  TLC Linen Services 

The 2019 LRA GNO Chapter Board of Directors includes:
  • Tony Abadie*, Jack Rose Restaurant
  • Mark Amato, Republic National Distributing Company
  • Ralph Brennan*, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group
  • Katy Casbarian*, Arnaud’s Restaurant
  • Juan Cazabon, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
  • Scot Craig, Katie’s Restaurant
  • Tommy Cvitanovich*, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
  • Bill DiPaola, Ballard Brands
  • John Eastman, Auto-Chlor Services
  • Chris Esteve, Tableau
  • Patrick Gros, Bienvenue Bar & Grill
  • Ryan Haro, Manning’s
  • Nick Hazard, Crescent Crown Distributing
  • John Hildebrand, Reinhart Foodservice
  • Mark Latter, Tujague’s
  • Helen LeBourgeois, TLC Linen Services
  • Scott Lynch, Coca-Cola
  • Mike Maenza*, SWEGS Kitchen
  • Vincent Maenza, Mr. Mudbug Catering
  • Mike Miller*, Brisbi’s Lakefront Restaurant & Bar
  • Martha Nolan-Leake, Heartland Payment Systems
  • Greg Reggio*, Taste Buds Management
  • Melvin Rodrigue*, Galatoire’s Restaurant
  • Paul Rotner*, Acme Oyster House
  • Randy Stein*, Mr. B’s Bistro
  • Sal Sunseri, P & J Oyster Co.
  • Steve Trotter, Centerplate
  • Anthony Vojkovich, Crescent City Steak House
  • Steve Woodruff*, Commander’s Palace
*Past LRA GNO Chapter President.
*Photo of LRA GNO Chapter President Ryan Haro attached.  

LRA SIF Trustees Declare $2.75 Million Dividend & Rate Reduction for Members in 2019

11/14/2018

 
The Louisiana Restaurant Association Self Insurer’s Fund for Workers’ Compensation (LRA SIF) Board of Trustees recently declared a dividend of $2.75 million to eligible plan participants. The LRA SIF specializes in workers’ compensation for Louisiana’s hospitality industry and related businesses.
 
Celebrating its 37th year in 2019, and inclusive of this dividend, the LRA SIF has returned nearly $115 million to eligible members. This marks the 31st consecutive year the LRA SIF has declared a surplus in unused premium and interest income that will be returned to members.
 
The program also announced the Louisiana Department of Insurance has approved premium rate reductions on several key classes of coverage including full-service restaurants, fast food restaurants and grocery stores. Our members’ promotion of workplace safety and getting their injured workers treated and back to work in a timely manner is why these rates are going down.
 
“Our members’ commitment to providing a safe workplace for their team members paired with our Fund’s focus on personalized service and timely claims handling has resulted in this year’s dividend declaration and our rate reduction,” said Stan Harris, LRA SIF President & CEO. “Offering lower rates has an immediate positive impact on the profitability of our members, especially as they are experiencing significant increases in other aspects of their operations.”
 
The LRA SIF was created in 1982 to and has grown to become one of the largest providers of hospitality and retail-focused workers’ compensation in the state. To be eligible for a dividend, the member must be in good standing with the LRA and the LRA SIF, and have a loss ratio that is equal to or less than 70 percent as of March 6, 2019. The dividend will be distributed in April 2019.
 
To obtain a comparison quote or to learn more about how the LRA SIF can help you reduce your workers’ compensation costs, contact your independent insurance agent or the LRA SIF directly at (504) 454-2277 or visit www.LRASIF.org.

 

Casbarian Siblings of Arnaud's Restaurant and Tabasco® Brand Among LRA Annual Award Recipients

11/5/2018

 
The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and its chair, Rob King, vice president of Pitt Grill Inc. in Lake Charles, are pleased to announce this year’s Restaurateur of the Year, Associate Member of the Year, Advocate of the Year and Hall of Fame Inductee. The honorees were recognized at the LRA Awards Reception at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles October 29, 2018.
 
The 2018 Restaurateurs of the Year are co-proprietors and siblings Katy Casbarian and Archie Casbarian of Arnaud’s, French 75 Bar and Remoulade Restaurant in New Orleans. Both have volunteered extensively for the LRA, its Education Foundation and the Self Insurer’s Fund for Workers’ Compensation. This is the LRA’s most prestigious award and this recognition coincides with the 100th Anniversary of Arnaud’s Restaurant. The two are second-generation restaurateurs and second-generation members of the association. Under their leadership, the restaurant has undergone renovations to update the 975-seat establishment, which consists of a main dining room and numerous private dining options. French 75 Bar won a 2017 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program, and it has appeared on Esquire Magazine’s Best Bars in America for several years.   
 
The 2018 Associate Member of the Year is TABASCO® Brand, led by fifth-generation family member and President and CEO Anthony “Tony” Simmons. TABASCO® Brand products are made by McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. In 2018, McIlhenny Company celebrates its 150th Anniversary and bottles four million bottles of the pepper sauce per week, following an aging process of up to three years in white oak barrels. With 200 employees, half of which actually live on Avery Island, many of their parents and grandparents have worked and lived there as well. While the Original Red Pepper Sauce stays true to the history of TABASCO® Brand, the TABASCO Family of Flavors® features eight varieties of high-quality pepper sauces—from mild to wild, there’s something for everyone. TABASCO® is a global brand and has significantly contributed to Louisiana being internationally known for flavorful cuisine.
 
The 2018 Hall of Fame Inductee is David Hearn of Catfish Cabin in Monroe, Louisiana—a second-generation co-owner, along with his brother Russell and sister Patricia. Hearn served as the LRA’s Chair in 2013 and has been an exemplary volunteer for its Self Insurer’s Fund for Workers’ Compensation and Education Foundation. He began working in the restaurant at the age of 11, and this is where his parents instilled service to others in him.  Hearn is also a volunteer Ouachita Parish Reserve Deputy. He will join past inductees from the LRA’s Northeast Chapter, such as the late Don Weems of Waterfront Grill, who was a mentor to Hearn.
 
The 2018 Advocate of Year is The Honorable Blake Miguez, a Louisiana State Representative for District 49, which encompasses Iberia and Vermillion parishes. Rep. Miguez serves on the Appropriations, Labor and Industrial Relations and the Natural Resources and Environment Committees. The Advocate of the Year recognizes an individual who has supported the advocacy efforts of the LRA and its partner industries. Rep. Miguez has worked closely with the LRA Advocacy Team to promote good public policy that benefits Louisiana’s restaurant industry—the state’s largest employer of 216,000 residents.
 
The 2018 Chair’s Leadership Award recipient is Rocky Keeley of Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in Sulphur. Keeley joined the LRA Board of Directors in 1993. After 25 years of service to the LRA, he will enter honorary emeritus director status in 2019.
 
“On behalf of the LRA, I am honored to recognize these award winners and commend them for the work they do not only for their individual businesses, but also for the association and the restaurant and hospitality industries,” said LRA Chair Rob King.

LRA Education Foundation Offers Hospitality Scholarships

11/5/2018

 
The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program for high school students pursuing post-secondary education, which could include college, culinary, or technical training. It is also open to those who already work in the industry to further their career trajectory. The application deadline is January 31, 2019. Scholars will be announced in early March 2019.
 
The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 and with the 2019 grants, the LRAEF will have awarded nearly $500,000 since the Fund’s inception.
 
“The dollars that fund our LRAEF scholarships are generated by LRA members and chapters from around Louisiana who encourage interested students to apply,” noted LRA President & CEO Stan Harris. “Being an LRAEF Scholar can provide a launching pad for an amazing career in restaurants, hospitality or our supply chain community.”
 
Applicants must be currently enrolled, or have been 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 2019:
  • Jim Funk Scholarship: Established in 2012, it recognizes the tenure of 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 2018-19 cycle and may be renewable on an annual basis for up to four years, provided that GPA, academic progress and enrollment standards are achieved.
  • LRAEF ProStart® Scholarship: Awarded exclusively to students who achieve the ProStart Certificate of Achievement. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year restaurant management and culinary arts program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders.
  • LRA Board Fund Scholarship: Awarded to Louisiana students who intend to pursue a career in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism or hospitality industry. This Fund is supported through a generous annual donation by the LRA Board of Directors.
  • LRA CENLA Chapter Scholarship: Presented by the LRA CENLA Chapter, this scholarship is awarded to qualified applicants from the chapter’s 11 parish area- Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn parishes.
  • 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 here and must be completed by January 31, 2019.
 
“The LRAEF Scholarship program is a key part of our mission of education and preparing students for careers, specifically in the culinary and hospitality industries,” said LRAEF Executive Director Julie Talbot. “These industries provide great training for young people, as well as a path to economic opportunity.”
 
The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the industry’s service to the public through education, workforce development and promotion of career opportunities. It also provides access to a registered apprenticeship program for LRA members seeking a structured advancement program for its existing and future workforce. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Julie Talbot, jtalbot@lra.org or (504) 210-2505.

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