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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.

Dustin Hebert. White male wearing a dark suit with blue tie and white shirt

New Leader for LRA Workers’ Comp

By tnorris95 | February 19, 2025 | Comments Off on New Leader for LRA Workers’ Comp

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Fund (LRA WC) has appointed Dustin Hebert as its new General Manager. With over 20 years of experience and a family legacy in insurance, Hebert is well-prepared to lead the program’s continued growth and support Louisiana’s hospitality industry. Serving Louisiana’s Hospitality Industry Since 1982 Founded…

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Person in an orange cap using a touchscreen kiosk in a dimly lit, modern setting.

Restaurant Tech Today: Driving Efficiency and Profitability

By tnorris95 | February 17, 2025 | Comments Off on Restaurant Tech Today: Driving Efficiency and Profitability

Latest News How Digital Innovation is Reshaping Front and Back-of-House Operations Technology is transforming the restaurant industry, helping operators tackle rising labor costs and ongoing workforce shortages. These insights were presented in the State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 webinar by Hudson Riehle, SVP of Research and Knowledge, and Chad Moutray, VP of Research and…

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A drive-thru transaction with a person in a car receiving a plastic bag from a window in a red building.

How Gen Z & Millennials Are Redefining Dining

By tnorris95 | February 14, 2025 | Comments Off on How Gen Z & Millennials Are Redefining Dining

Latest News From Snacking to Sustainability, What Drives Younger Diners?  Consumer habits are evolving rapidly, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the transformation of the restaurant industry. These insights were highlighted in the State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 webinar, presented by the National Restaurant Association.  With these two generations now outnumbering Gen X and…

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Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Set to Deliver a Swift Lift to New Orleans’ Economy

By tnorris95 | October 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Set to Deliver a Swift Lift to New Orleans’ Economy
Taylor Swift wearing a pink dress flexing her arm.

Latest News When Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to New Orleans on October 25, 26, and 27, the city will experience an economic impact as monumental as a weekend packed with three Super Bowls. With 150,000 Swifties expected to descend on the Crescent City-just ahead of Halloween, no less-restaurants, shops, and hotels are preparing…

FTC Cracks Down on Misleading ‘Local’ Seafood Claims at Restaurants

By tnorris95 | October 8, 2024 | Comments Off on FTC Cracks Down on Misleading ‘Local’ Seafood Claims at Restaurants
Shrimp in a black bowl with green leaves and a lemon on a wooden table.

Latest News Recently, ten seafood restaurants received warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over misleading advertising practices. These warnings focused on restaurants falsely promoting their seafood as “wild-caught” or “American-sourced” when, in reality, it was farm-raised and imported from foreign sources. This crackdown comes in response to increasing complaints from the U.S. seafood…

Register Now: Webinar on everything you need to know about Beneficial Ownership filing

By tnorris95 | October 4, 2024 | Comments Off on Register Now: Webinar on everything you need to know about Beneficial Ownership filing
Two people discussing something over a laptop in a café setting.

Latest News Deadline approaching: Operators required to file information about their beneficial owners-the individuals who ultimately own or control their companies-to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), must report by the end of the year. Restaurant owners with 20 or fewer full-time employees and less than $5M in annual sales will likely need to file. This webinar…

New Analysis Explains Challenges of Higher Costs, Menu Price Increases

By tnorris95 | October 4, 2024 | Comments Off on New Analysis Explains Challenges of Higher Costs, Menu Price Increases

Latest News Restaurants across the U.S. are grappling with rising food and labor costs, and Louisiana operators are facing even greater pressure due to skyrocketing insurance premiums. According to the National Restaurant Association, food costs have surged 29% over the past four years, and labor costs have increased 31%. Together, these two expenses account for…

ILA Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement, Ports Set to Reopen

By tnorris95 | October 4, 2024 | Comments Off on ILA Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement, Ports Set to Reopen
Busy port with cranes and shipping containers at sunset, city skyline in background.

Latest News The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike has come to an end following a tentative agreement between the union and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The strike, which disrupted ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coast, will now see workers returning to their jobs, with ports expected to reopen October 4, 2024. …

Supporting Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

By wwaren@lra.org | October 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Supporting Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts: How You Can Help
Three rescue workers

Latest News The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left many communities in the Gulf Coast of Florida and extending through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia in urgent need of assistance. While our area was impacted by the storm, the damage pales in comparison to what we’re seeing from our neighbors. The widespread…

Longshoremen’s Strike in Effect: What it Means for Restaurants

By brome | October 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Longshoremen’s Strike in Effect: What it Means for Restaurants
photo of the port, with shipping containers

Latest News As of midnight on October 1, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike is officially in effect, halting operations at key East Coast and Gulf ports. This strike is anticipated to cause significant disruptions in the restaurant supply chain, especially for products like seafood, fresh produce (including bananas), and imported European beverages such as…

Celebrating 40 Years of Leadership: Henry L. Coaxum, Jr. Marks Milestone with McDonald’s

By tnorris95 | September 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Celebrating 40 Years of Leadership: Henry L. Coaxum, Jr. Marks Milestone with McDonald’s

Latest News Congratulations to longtime Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) member and passionate advocate of the LRA Workers’ Comp program, Henry L. Coaxum, Jr., on his 40th anniversary as a McDonald’s franchisee! Henry began his journey with McDonald’s as a manager trainee in 1984, rising to become the owner/operator of three restaurants in New Orleans. His…

Jacob’s Andouille Named Best of the River Parishes for 4th Consecutive Year

By tnorris95 | September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Jacob’s Andouille Named Best of the River Parishes for 4th Consecutive Year

Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to congratulate longtime member, Jacob’s Andouille, for being named Best Andouille in the Best of the River Parishes contest for the fourth consecutive year. This honor highlights the enduring legacy of Jacob’s Andouille and its significant contribution to LaPlace’s status as the Andouille Capital of the World. LaPlace, Louisiana, has earned…

NSFM Week 4: Inside the Health Dept.’s Response to Foodborne Outbreaks: What Should You Expect?

By tnorris95 | September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on NSFM Week 4: Inside the Health Dept.’s Response to Foodborne Outbreaks: What Should You Expect?

Latest News NFSM Week 4: Inside the Health Dept.’s Response to Foodborne Outbreaks: What Should You Expect? Even in the most well-run restaurants, a foodborne outbreak may occur. An outbreak is when multiple people get sick from eating the same food. Many foodborne outbreaks in restaurants are identified from customer complaints of illness to the…

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