LRA Southwest Chapter President Liz Fuselier's Letter to her Chapter

Dear Southwest Chapter Members,
This has been a devastating year for the restaurant industry as well as many other sectors of our economy. Between COVID-19, Hurricanes Laura and Delta, it seems as though Southwest Louisiana keeps taking blows, over and over again. I wouldn’t be surprised if we also get a blizzard before the end of the year. I sincerely hope that you and your families are surviving the best way possible.

As President of our local chapter, I realize many of you may not know who I am, so here’s a little background. I am owner and operator of Sassy Oil & Vinegar, LLC, located in the café area of The SEED Center in Lake Charles. I’ve been in this location since 2017, and biasedly think of us as one of the best kept secrets in Lake Charles. I’ve been a member of the LRA for several years.

One of my goals this year was to encourage our chapter to get more involved with local meetings and create a sense of togetherness amongst our local industry. I know we are competitors, but we are also a group who needs to work together for a common goal…survival! Our area of the state is truly unique in culture, attitude and perseverance. I have witnessed how you have served our community with charity, compassion and love. And I’ve also seen you do what was necessary to reopen your doors after the shutdown, only to have to close them again, twice more.  I SALUTE YOU!

The state and national restaurant associations are working extremely hard on our behalf. I encourage you to use the resources available to you through membership. The LRA office is open and here to help you. I also want to encourage us to band together and keep Southwest Louisiana on the radar as the best location for food, hospitality and fun!

I am looking forward to a more hopeful 2021. I hope when our community is back to whatever the “new normal” will be, that it will also include a stronger and more active SWLA LRA Chapter!
My prayers are with you all.

With gratitude,
Liz Fuselier
Sassy Oil & Vinegar, LLC