2025 LRA Showcase Wrap Up

“Looks amazing! So glad we got to work with such an awesome team!!”

- Boogie Booth

“I

couldn’t have been in better company - such great memories”

“Until

next year, LRA Showcase- cheers to the connections we made and the ones still to come!”

- Noel Family Distillery

- Dook Chase

“What an event. Louisiana Restaurant Association puts on the most amazing show each year.

- Captain Pip Boat Captain for Nola Pedal Barge

LRA Showcase Hits Capacity, Outpacing 2024 Registration Before Doors Open

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) proudly wrapped its 72nd Annual LRA Showcase on a high note this past weekend, August 2-3, 2025, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Hall I. Registration outpaced 2024, with strong attendance from across the state and region, and all exhibit floor space sold out in advance—a testament to the value this event brings to the industry.

Exhibiting companies that supply restaurants see this marketplace as an opportunity to meet existing customers and connect with prospective clients—capturing leads and driving revenue goals in just two days under one roof, as they head into the fall season.

Restaurants, bars, and hotels find tremendous value in attending to shop and explore vendors—especially at a time when food costs, labor management, insurance, and rising operating expenses continue to challenge the business climate.

“The Showcase had high energy, great content, and lots of industry professionals coming in to visit the exhibitors, learn, and reconnect with peers,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO of the LRA.

“Exhibitors went all out, we saw many new and returning participants, and I heard nothing but ‘great attendance, great event, your staff is amazing…’ I’m so proud of the efforts and outcome. It truly takes a village —and we delivered.”

What sets this show apart? It’s 100% produced by the LRA staff—from exhibit sales, sponsorships, education programming, and onsite event management, every detail is handled in-house. The result is a show that reflects the needs and energy of Louisiana’s vibrant foodservice community.

“The LRA Team knocked it out of the park last weekend,” said Helen LeBourgeois, owner of TLC Linen Services. “My whole team raved about how well it was orchestrated. My congratulations!”

The Kitchen Counter

Presented by Ecolab

The Showcase’s programming offered thought leadership and practical takeaways for business owners, chefs, and managers alike, covering topics from marketing to labor law.

KITCHEN COUNTER

by

One of the most talked-about sessions featured Chef John Folse, Louisiana’s legendary culinary ambassador, in a lively keynote conversation with Mark Romig. His passion for food, culture, and storytelling reminded attendees of the powerful role cuisine plays in business, community, and tradition.

Booked & Buzzed: Turning Followers into Diners Vicki

explores how to find influencers who truly fit your brand, build meaningful partnerships, and measure

Start Strong: The Savvy Guide to Opening Your First Restaurant covers how to build a solid financial plan; develop operational and hiring strategies; create a guest-focused culture; and more.

SHOW FLOOR BUZZ: Cooking Demo Stage

Presented by Fortune Fish

Live demos took center stage at the Cooking Demo Stage presented by Fortune Fish, where top Louisiana culinary talent shared techniques, inspirations, and tastings with captivated audiences. Featured chefs included Chef Huy Pham of Yakuza House, Chef Brian Landry of Jack Rose, Chef Michael Nelson of GW Fins, Chef Meg Bickford of Commander’s Palace, and Chef Tony Rodrigue of Acme Oyster House.

The energy continued with a special appearance by the Chalmette High School ProStart team, fresh off their National Championship win, who presented their restaurant concept, La Strada, live on stage. The space also hosted the Gen Z Panel, offering valuable insights from the next generation of hospitality professionals as they discussed their expectations and aspirations for careers in the industry.

LRA President/CEO Stan Harris presents legislative proclamations acknowledging the Chalmette High School ProStart Team on their national win for their management presentation of La Strada

Cooking Louisiana’s Gulf Finfish with Chef Brian Landry explores the techniques, recipes, and insights of the New Orleans native, passionate conservationist, and Gulf seafood expert.

Oysters 101: A Taste of Louisiana with Chef Tony Rodrigue and Cliff Hall features a lively discussion about Louisiana oysters—including traditional and off-bottom varieties— paired with audience sampling.

Shaken, Not Stirred –A Twist on a Classic

The Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition added spirited flair as 10 bartenders presented their original recipes before a standing room only live audience. Congratulations to winner Phillip Chilton of Le Moyne Bistro with his creation Chanson Rosée Sour, and runner-up Ally O’Keefe of the Bayou Bar with Double Feature. Attendees enjoyed cocktail shakers and jiggers courtesy of sponsors Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Libations Trail, under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Aurélie Konopka of Zea

& Bar describes the inspiration and ingredients behind her cocktail, Midnight Ember

Held in Conjunction: A Unified Effort to Champion Louisiana Hospitality

The LRA Showcase is held in conjunction with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, producers of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, now in its 21st year. The national competition once again delivered culinary fireworks, culminating in a win for Chef Wesley True of Cleveland, Tennessee, who was crowned the 2025 King of American Seafood.

“From coast to coast these talented chefs wowed us with stunning dishes that honored the quality and versatility of domestic, sustainable seafood,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “ Special thanks to the Louisiana Seafood Promotional and Marketing Board, the Louisiana Restaurant Association and our incredible judges and chefs for making this such a memorable event.”

The LRA is also proud to recognize Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain and the Louisiana Certified program. As an exhibitor and long-standing partner, Louisiana Certified anchors a special area of the show floor featuring 42 Louisiana-based emerging food and beverage companies, bringing together unique local products and passionate entrepreneurs with buyers from across the region.

“It’s a WRAP! The LRA Showcase 2025 was phenomenal, said Amanda Regina, Owner of Buttery Spell. “A big thank you to Certified Louisiana for allowing us to spread the Buttery Spell love.”

Sponsors Make It Possible

Sponsorships fuel the momentum of the LRA Showcase, allowing us to elevate programming, spotlight innovation, and create meaningful experiences that move Louisiana’s hospitality industry forward.

The LRA extends sincere thanks to the generous sponsors who helped bring the event to life: DIRECTV for Business –National Accounts, Mardi Gras Productions, Ecolab, Republic National Distributing Company, Four Roses Bourbon, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Louisiana Libations, Sysco, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co., Fortune Fish, US Foods, Louisiana Seafood and LRA Workers’ Comp.

“DIRECTV for Business is proud to have partnered with the LRA as the premier sponsor and exhibitor at this year’s Showcase,” said Todd Robinson, DIRECTV National Accounts. “Our investment in this event allowed us to connect directly with LRA members and prospects, share the value we bring to their businesses, and gain meaningful insights into their needs.”

Special thank you to our showcase supporters: Fisher Phillips, Johnson, Yacoubian & Paysse, Melchiode Marks King LLC, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Auto-Chlor, Felipe’s Taqueria, Restaurant365, Gallagher, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, and Boogie Booth.

See You Next Year!

Mark your calendars for the 2026 LRA Showcase, taking place July 25-26 in New Orleans! The event will commemorate the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s 80th Anniversary, celebrating eight decades of service to the state’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

Exhibit sales are already underway, with strong renewals following a show that exhibitors are raving about. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the momentum as we continue to grow, connect, and showcase the best of Louisiana hospitality.