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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 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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Latest News By Stan Harris, President & CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association Mar 18, 2025 At the Louisiana Restaurant Association, we are the trusted advisor for Louisiana’s restaurant industry. Advocacy is at the heart of our mission, ensuring that our members have a voice in decisions that impact their businesses. As engaged citizens and business owners,…
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Latest News As the restaurant industry navigates an evolving economic landscape, new trade developments are already making waves. In January, U.S. imports soared to a record high of $329.55 billion, up from $293.36 billion in December, as businesses rushed to bring in goods ahead of the anticipated tariffs. The U.S. trade deficit also spiked to…
Read MoreLatest 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…
Latest News On March 26, a proposed settlement agreement was announced requiring Visa and Mastercard to reduce swipe fees charged to restaurants and other merchants to process credit card transactions starting in April 2025. While this news is welcome, it merely provides temporary relief while allowing credit card companies to raise rates in the future.…
Latest News Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 What just happened: The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act has momentum coming into the Senate, following sweeping bipartisan votes in both the House tax committee (40 – 3) and on the floor (357 – 70). The Senate has an opportunity to…
Latest News In the realm of fine dining, a shadowy online marketplace has emerged, promising prime reservations at top-tier restaurants for exorbitant prices. Dubbed Appointment Trader, this platform has sparked outrage among restaurateurs and industry insiders alike, as it capitalizes on the scarcity of coveted dining experiences while leaving eateries in the lurch. Led by…
Latest News The LRA Education Foundation presented the Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational on March 6-7 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. ProStart is a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum in nearly 60 Louisiana high schools, with 2,000 juniors and seniors participating. Sixty-three percent of Louisiana’s ProStart program attended the Invitational. The Invitational…
Latest News The National Restaurant Association is assessing the implications of President Biden’s State of the Union address for the restaurant industry, paying close attention to key points that demand our attention. First, President Biden underscored his commitment to eliminating so-called “junk fees” throughout the U.S. economy. Why it matters: His administration is proposing a rule targeting “junk…