Al Copeland

About

American entrepreneur who founded the Popeyes fast food chain in 1972 and began franchising his restaurant in 1976. He owned several restaurant chains, including Copeland's, Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro, Amor deBrazil, and Copeland's Social City, as well as Improv comedy clubs located in California and Pittsburgh, and three hotels.  

Before Fame

He dropped out of high school when he was 16. He worked at Schwegmann Brothers Giant Supermarkets store in Gentilly as a soda jerk and then for Tastee Donut, a doughnut chain. 

Trivia

He established the Alvin C. Copeland Endowed Chair of Franchising at Louisiana State University, providing funding for the Delgado Community College chef apprentice program, and supporting the National Food Service Institute.

Family Life

His father left shortly after he was born. He has two older brothers. He was married to Jennifer Devall from 2000 to 2006. From 1990 to 2000, he was married to Luan Hunter. He had five sons and four daughters by four wives. His eldest son, Al Copeland Jr., became the CEO of Al Copeland Investments.

Associated With

He and horror novelist Anne Rice had a public feud in 1997 regarding his opening of a restaurant on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.