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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 In the wake of the devastating mass casualty incident on New Years Day, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is stepping up to support the recovery of Orleans Parish and the surrounding parishes of Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany. Businesses and nonprofit organizations across the affected parishes are encouraged to explore…
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Latest News We are looking forward to our annual trip to Washington, D.C., April 1-3 to meet with our members of Congress and the Senate. With a new Congress taking office last week and the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President on January 20, we expect robust conversations on the priorities of our…
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Latest News The tragedy that unfolded on New Year’s Day at 3:15 a.m. left our community shaken. A senseless truck attack on Bourbon Street claimed 14 lives, including Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook at DiMartino’s Restaurant, an LRA member. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the countless individuals affected by this…
Read MoreLatest News Mardi Gras Ushers in Upgrades to Meal Service for 8th District The largest free show on earth, as we know, is not without its costs. With nearly 1 million visitors pouring in for the 2024 Mardi Gras Season, the public safety measures are vast, largely unknown or underestimated. The agencies that are on…
Latest News Restaurants sales are forecast to exceed $1.1 trillion in sales this year, marking a new milestone for the industry that will employ over 15.7 million people in the United States by the end of 2024. This is all according to the National Restaurant Association 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report. Key findings from…
Latest News The Payment Card Settlement is the biggest antitrust class-action settlement in history and sets aside at least $5.54 billion and a maximum of approximately $6.24 billion for millions of U.S. merchants who for years paid artificially inflated Visa and Mastercard interchange fees. Why it matters: If your restaurant accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time between January…
Latest News Louisiana ProStart Program’s recent Educator Training held at The University of New Orleans Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Program (UNO HRT) was a dynamic and enriching event. The day commenced with an opening session led by Jonathan Baynham, LRAEEF Executive Director, and Mistica Maples-Adams, LRAEF Program Manager, setting the tone for an engaging program.…
Latest News As we head into the holidays, bookings for seasonal celebrations are robust, already approaching and even exceeding pre-pandemic levels in some areas. The last thing you need is a foodborne illness to ruin your customers’ holiday revelries, not to mention your restaurant’s sales and reputation. Whether a company cocktail party or a catered…
Latest News 2024 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast from the National Restaurant Association predicts top menu trends for next year Swipe. Like. Crave. More and more, the line between restaurant menus and home cooking is blurring, thanks to social media like TikTok where restaurant dishes become viral sensations and in the right culinary hands popular social…
Latest News The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Greater Baton Rouge Chapter gathered November 15 at the elegant Ruffino’s De La Rhonde Hall for an evening of celebration, recognition, and honor. The 2023 Awards Night brought together esteemed members, industry professionals, and friends to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of individuals who exemplify excellence in the culinary and…
Latest News Funding Supports Youth from Diverse Backgrounds to Further Life Skills Emeril Lagasse Foundation awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to non-profit organizations that support its mission to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential. “We support programs that provide mentorship to the most vulnerable youth in our communities. We help them to…
Latest News The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing significant changes to restaurant pricing, aiming to eliminate mandatory fees and provide recommendations on tipping and credit card charges. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is closely monitoring, expressing concerns about perceived overreach. The NRA highlights potential impacts on restaurants, questions the FTC’s authority, and emphasizes the…