LRA Greater Baton Rouge Chapter announces annual award recipients

Last In Concepts owners Brandon Landry and Jack Warner named Restaurateurs of the Year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Greater Baton Rouge Chapter (LRA GBR) announced its annual award recipients during a ceremony January 21, 2014 at Juban’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge. Ruffino’s Restaurant Chef/Owner and LRA GBR Chapter President Peter Sclafani presented the following awards: Restaurateurs of the Year, Active Member of the Year and Associate Member of the Year.

Brandon Landry and Jack Warner of Last In Concepts were selected as the LRA GBR Chapter’s Restaurateurs of the Year. They own several restaurants including Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, the Roux House, Happy’s Irish Pub, Schlittz & Giggles and Walk-On’s Catering. The two have expanded these concepts in Louisiana, primarily in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

“We are proud that their first concept, Walk-On’s, started here in Baton Rouge,” said Sclafani. “To see the expansion of their company to now 11 restaurants employing upwards of 1,000 people is a testament to the success and opportunities that exists in the restaurant industry.”

Ryan Nizzo, general manager of Walk-On’s in Baton Rouge, was recognized as the LRA GBR Chapter Active Member of the Year. This award is given to an individual in the food service industry who is involved in chapter affairs, events and meetings, and encourages his peers to join the association and become active. Nizzo previously served as the LRA GBR chapter president for two years.

“Ryan has served our chapter diligently and has shown amazing dedication and leadership,” said Sclafani. “He really focused on member engagement and growing the success of our fundraisers benefiting the LRA Education Foundation and its ProStart programs.”

Billy Long, Vice President of Crescent Crown Distributing, was selected as the LRA GBR Chapter Associate Member of the Year.  This award recognizes an associate member who graciously volunteers his time and talents in service to the chapter and its activities and fundraisers.

“Billy has been a steadfast supporter of the restaurant industry and our chapter,” said Sclafani. “His dependability and commitment to helping restaurateurs succeed in their businesses is a great example for our membership.”