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.” 

LRA Baton Rouge Chapter 10th Annual Silent Auction Oct. 10

Celebrating its 10^th year, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Greater Baton Rouge Chapter will host its annual Silent Auction, October 10, at Juban’s Restaurant. The event supports the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter’s annual fundraising goal for the LRA Education Foundation, which administers ProStart®, a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management course in 47 high schools across Louisiana. ProStart is offered in nine Baton Rouge-area high schools and is designed to attract young people to rewarding careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

WAFB's New This Morning
Anchor Lauren Westbrook
is a celebrity server at the
LRA Baton Rouge Chapter's
10th Annual Silent Auction.

“We look forward to this event every year,” said Jeanette Eisworth, event coordinator and LRA director. “It’s a great time and benefits ProStart, a cause that is near and dear to me. These students represent our industry’s future.”

A new twist on this year’s event is the addition of celebrity servers: Matt Saurage, Chairman of the Board of Community Coffee, Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, Co-Founders of Walk On’s Bistreaux and Bar and Lauren Westbrook, Anchor of WAFB’s News This Morning, including others.

The Silent Auction items for bid are generously donated by local restaurants, spas, hotels and businesses, and include: LSU football tickets, fishing trips, gift certificates, wine baskets and much more.

The addition of a Live Auction is new this year in honor of the 10^th Anniversary. Attendees can bid on a progressive wine dinner and “restaurant hop” to multiple Baton Rouge fine dining restaurants in one night for an incredible dining experience. Another exciting Live Auction item is a Mexican themed party at your home with food and margaritas by Mestizo and Serrano’s Restaurants.

Admission is $40 per person and includes dinner, registration for the Silent Auction and a complimentary glass of bubbly upon your arrival. Sponsorships are available for $600 and includes a reserved table for your group through the duration of the event, with tickets and a complimentary bottle of champagne for your enjoyment.

Sound like a fun-filled evening? Interested in attending? Call Courtney Waguespack today to get your ticket(s) at (225) 328-2163 or email courtneyt@lra.org.