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Welcome to the

LRA Education Foundation

Our Mission

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 1995 and is governed by a board of directors made up of restaurants, industry experts and educators in the hospitality industry. The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation exists to enhance the industry's service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities. 

The three main programs that LRAEF offers are ProStart, a high school culinary and restaurant management program; the LRAEF Scholars, which provides scholarships to students pursuing a degree in culinary arts or hospitality; and the Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship, which is an earn as you learn program.

LRAEF Board of Directors

Michael Eastman, Chair, Auto-Chlor
Greg Reggio, Vice Chair, Taste Buds Management
Garret LeBlanc, Secretary/Treasurer, B&G Food Enterprises
Bobby Hufft, Ecolab
Derrick Dunne, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Octavio Mantilla, BRG Hospitalty
Tony Rodrigue, Acme Oyster House
Stephen Hightower, Baton Rouge Epicurean Society
Emery Whalen, QED Hospitality
Karen Coaxum, Coaxum Enterprises
Alan Guilbeau, PJ's Coffee
Jason Jones, Sysco New Orleans

Academic Advisor
Dr. Yvette Green, UNO Kabacoff School of HRT 

Industry Representatives
Felton Jones, PJ's Coffee

Ex-Officio
Stan Harris, CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association
Jonathan Baynham, Executive Director
Alan Guilbeau, PJ's Coffee

​LRAEF Articulation Agreements

The LRA Education Foundation is proud to partner with these educational institutions through articulation agreements, which provides a smooth transition of credits from the completion of ProStart I and II. We are grateful to these schools for their commitment to the foodservice and hospitality industry.

HolyCross
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Most Recent 990's

Annual Reports

Education Foundation News

Practical Workforce Technology Strategies for Independent Restaurants

March 25, 2025

Latest News The latest workforce technology report from the National Restaurant Association highlights trends shaping the industry. While many insights come from large national chains, independent restaurants, multi-unit operators, and franchisees often have different needs and financial constraints. Here’s how LRA members can leverage workforce technology in a practical and cost-effective way. 1. Streamlining Employee…

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LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars

March 11, 2025

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is investing in the future of the hospitality industry by awarding $60,000 in scholarships to its 2025 LRAEF Scholars Class. These scholarships provide vital support to Louisiana students pursuing careers in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Honorees will be recognized at Serving the Future:…

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Invest in Louisiana’s Culinary Future: Your Contribution Is Priceless

December 10, 2024
Six high school students in a line holding a gingerbread house on a plate.

Latest News As 2024 approaches, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) invites you to make a difference that’s truly priceless. By supporting ProStart, Scholars, and Apprenticeships, you’re investing in the future of Louisiana’s restaurant industry and the people who make it thrive. 🖱️ Click here to donate now and make an impact that lasts.…

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