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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.
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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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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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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Latest News At just 30 years old, Chef Serigne Mbaye is making waves in New Orleans’ culinary scene with his restaurant Dakar Nola, which earlier this year won the most coveted of awards, the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. This accolade is a testament to Mbaye’s dedication to bringing the flavors and…
Latest News On June 20, four U.S. Senators introduced the “No Taxes on Tips Act” to prevent federal income taxation on employee tips in any industry. While the proposal would eliminate the federal income tax for tips, these tips would still be subject to the federal payroll tax (“FICA”) paid by employees and employers to…
Latest News On Tuesday, the Louisiana Senate approved House Bill 156, which repeals a requirement that employers provide a mandatory 30-minute break to minors working shifts lasting five hours or longer, in a 26-11 vote, with a major amendment now attached to the legislation. The amendment to the bill is from from Sen. Jean-Paul Coussan and…
Latest News ProStart students from Lakeshore and Chalmette High Schools represented Louisiana at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, in the Culinary and Management competitions, respectively. The Lakeshore team demonstrated their techniques and creativity in the culinary competition via a three-course menu that featured scallops, beef and strawberries. Chalmette showcased their “Española” restaurant concept in…
Latest News The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its final overtime rule, significantly increasing the minimum annual salary threshold determining overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from $35,568 to $58,656. The rule will gradually come into effect, with an increase to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and an increase to $58,656…
Latest News What Just Happened: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to enact a far-reaching ban on non-compete agreements. This decision, resulting from a 3-2 vote, will take effect 120 days following its publication in the Federal Register. The rule aims to prohibit all new non-compete agreements and will render most existing ones unenforceable, except…
Latest News The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its final overtime rule, significantly increasing the minimum annual salary threshold determining overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from $35,568 to $58,656. The rule will gradually come into effect, with an increase to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and an increase to $58,656…
Latest News Seventy members of the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) convened at the Capitol for a pivotal event known as LRA Day. This gathering provided a platform for industry leaders to address pressing issues facing the restaurant sector. Among the distinguished speakers were LRA President and CEO Stan Harris, Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple,…
Latest News Don’t let the term “Mom and Pop” give you the impression that these business owners aren’t sophisticated. In the realm of restaurants, it signifies a world of dedication, versatility, and unyielding passion. A restaurant owner can seamlessly transition from chef to host, electrician to human resources manager, all in the span of a…
Serving Up Technology: New Data Shows How Tech Integration is Transforming the Restaurant Experience
Latest News National Restaurant Association Technology Landscape report showcases industry innovation and where consumer desires are pushing trends Technology use in restaurants is accelerating, creating new touchpoints between restaurants and the consumers they serve, according to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Technology Landscape Report 2024. The report, released today, identifies the varying expectations consumers have…