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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.

An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

By tnorris95 | December 22, 2025 | Comments Off on An Important Update for Taste of Mardi Gras in 2026

Latest News For more than 31 years, Taste of Mardi Gras has been a beloved tradition in Central Louisiana. Year after year, this event has brought our community together to celebrate incredible food, drinks, and entertainment. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our restaurant and beverage partners, and we are…

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A Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit

By tnorris95 | December 9, 2025 | Comments Off on A Major Win for Restaurants: Congress Extends the 45B FICA Tip Tax Credit

Latest News Congress has delivered a long-awaited victory for restaurants and service-based businesses by ensuring employers receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the FICA taxes paid on employee tips. The LRA and National Restaurant Association worked directly with Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise to ensure the 45B credit was not used as a “pay…

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U.S. Lifts 40% Tariffs on Certain Brazilian Agricultural Goods

By tnorris95 | November 24, 2025 | Comments Off on U.S. Lifts 40% Tariffs on Certain Brazilian Agricultural Goods

Latest News President Trump signed an Executive Order removing select Brazilian agricultural products, including coffee and beef, from the 40 percent tariff imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This change applies only to the specific agricultural goods listed in the updated annex, and all other Brazilian imports such as non-agricultural and industrial items…

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Get Smart About Foodborne Illness with ServSafe

By wwaren@lra.org | September 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Get Smart About Foodborne Illness with ServSafe
ServSafe NFSM

Latest News Each year in September for National Food Safety Month, we dive into a new food safety topic, and this year we’re focusing on understanding, managing, and preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. According to the CDC, more than half of all U.S. foodborne outbreaks are associated with restaurants and other foodservice institutions. National food and health…

10th Annual Bayou Culinary Showcase Features Special Guest DJ Rhett and the Cajun Ninja

By wwaren@lra.org | September 3, 2024 | Comments Off on 10th Annual Bayou Culinary Showcase Features Special Guest DJ Rhett and the Cajun Ninja
Two men and a woman holding small plates of food

Latest News Are you ready for a night of culinary excellence, local entertainment, and community spirit? Join us on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Gray, Louisiana, for the 10th Annual Bayou Culinary Showcase, proudly presented by Explore Houma and B&G Foods. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), is set to…

U.S. Court of Appeals Overturns 2021 Amendments to Dual Jobs Regulation

By wwaren@lra.org | August 29, 2024 | Comments Off on U.S. Court of Appeals Overturns 2021 Amendments to Dual Jobs Regulation
Restaurant Law Center logo in gray and blue text

Latest News U.S. Court of Appeals Overturns 2021 Amendments to Dual Jobs Regulation What Happened In a significant win for restaurant operators, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on August 23 to nullify the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2021 Final Rule amending the “Dual Jobs” regulation. The court agreed with the Restaurant Law Center…

Recycle Your Restaurant’s Oyster Shells: A Win-Win for Coastal Louisiana

By wwaren@lra.org | August 29, 2024 | Comments Off on Recycle Your Restaurant’s Oyster Shells: A Win-Win for Coastal Louisiana
trade show booth to attract restaurants to recycle oyster sheels

Latest News Louisiana’s rich oyster tradition isn’t just about delicious cuisine-it’s also about preserving our fragile coastline. Since 2014, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s (CRCL) Oyster Shell Recycling Program (OSRP) has played a critical role in this effort. By recycling oyster shells, restaurants can help restore vital oyster reefs that protect our coastlines from…

Where Industry Meets University: City Hospitality Group & LSU Partner on New Restaurant Management Program

By wwaren@lra.org | August 28, 2024 | Comments Off on Where Industry Meets University: City Hospitality Group & LSU Partner on New Restaurant Management Program

Latest News Baton Rouge is gaining a newfound respect for its elevated culinary offerings, with concept restaurants like those under City Group Hospitality (CGH) leading the charge. Now, a groundbreaking partnership between industry and academia is set to further elevate the region’s foodservice sector. This fall, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) proudly supports the launch…

U.S. Dept. of Labor Overtime Rule Update

By wwaren@lra.org | August 22, 2024 | Comments Off on U.S. Dept. of Labor Overtime Rule Update
Text sign showing hand written words Overtime pay

Latest News On June 28, we learned that the U.S. District Court in Texas issued a limited temporary restraining order regarding the first phase of the DOL Overtime Rule that takes effect today, July 1, 2024. This decision temporarily exempts ONLY the State of Texas from the rule’s implementation. However, businesses in Louisiana (and nationwide) will…

FTC Cracks Down on Franchise Agreements: New Guidelines on Hidden Fees and Non-Disparagement Clauses

By wwaren@lra.org | August 22, 2024 | Comments Off on FTC Cracks Down on Franchise Agreements: New Guidelines on Hidden Fees and Non-Disparagement Clauses
red, black, white, green , red, target board with 3 red darts hitting the bullseye

Latest News FTC Continues to Target Franchisors, Issues New Guidance On Friday, July 19, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took significant actions targeting franchisors, addressing concerns about hidden fees and non-disparagement clauses in franchise agreements. These recent announcements include: New FTC Guidance for Franchisors Ban on Hidden Fees: The FTC has issued guidance stating…

Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown

By wwaren@lra.org | August 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown
Three men and a woman holding oversized check. Confetti falling

Latest News Desmond Stewart Takes Top Honors at Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and Louisiana Libations, is proud to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon Smash Showdown. The event, held on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at…

Controversial Joint Employer Rule Struck Down Just Before Taking Effect

By wwaren@lra.org | August 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Controversial Joint Employer Rule Struck Down Just Before Taking Effect

Latest News By Fisher Phillips, Authors Steve Bernstein, Josh Nadreau and John Polson In an 11th-hour decision, a federal court judge in Texas just struck down the Labor Board’s controversial joint employer rule right before it was set to take effect on Monday. The NLRB had aimed to make it far easier for workers to…

Restaurant Industry Notches Win in Battle Against NLRB Joint Employer Rule

By wwaren@lra.org | July 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Restaurant Industry Notches Win in Battle Against NLRB Joint Employer Rule

Latest News The NLRB withdrew its appeal to the 5th Circut decision vacating the 2023 Joint Employer Rule, putting a “direct and immediate” standard back in place. Washington, D.C. – Friday, July 19, 2024, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was granted a request to withdraw its appeal of the United States District Court in the Eastern…

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