LRA Chair David Hearn wants to see you at the EXPO!

It’s that time of year again! I’m pleased to announce that the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) will celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the Louisiana Foodservice and Hospitality EXPO, August 3-5, 2013. To commemorate this incredible milestone, this year’s theme is “A Toast to Talent,” and we’ll pay tribute to our industry’s leaders throughout the weekend. 

For three days, our industry has the run of Halls I-J of the New Orleans Convention Center to shop hundreds of product and service companies waiting to share their ideas, innovations and information. The EXPO is designed specifically for our industry to help you become a more profitable and efficient operator. It is one of the best benefits of your LRA membership.

Chef Cody Carroll
competes in the
Great American
Seafood Cookoff
August 3.

Back for the second year is the Idea Zone, located right on the show floor. These express presentations will provide you with valuable information to help you become more profitable, success and inspired. Topics range from perfect pairings of beef and wine, health care reform, building guest loyalty, gluten free menus, sparkling wines and turning menu favorites into healthy options and others. On Monday, the LRA SIF will host its annual Safety Seminar for those workers’ comp participants needing to meet their annual safety dividend criteria.

Chef Cody Carroll of Hot Tails Restaurant in New Roads will represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cookoff. Read about his education, influences and Louisiana seafood inspired dish in the upcoming issue of A La Carte magazine and here at the LRA Blog.

The LRA Education Foundation will host its annual “Five Star Futures Gala,” Saturday, August 3, at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Riverside. Special guests NRA Chairman Phil Hickey and this year’s Restaurateur of the Year will join guests in honoring this year’s deserving recipients of more than $50,000 in culinary and restaurant management scholarships. Purchase your tickets here!

I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans the first weekend of August.

 

Ps. Book your room at the Headquarter Hotel, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside before July 10 and receive the special $94 rate with the code LRA EXPO. Call 504-561-0500.