Al Copeland Sr. (born 1944 in New Orleans, died March 23, 2008 in Munich, Germany^[1]) was an American entrepreneur and restaurateur based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Year 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ... is the 82nd day of the year (83rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Munich: Frauenkirche and Town Hall steeple Munich (German: München pronunciation) is the state capital of the German Bundesland of Bavaria. ... A typical restaurant in uptown Manhattan A restaurant is an establishment that serves prepared food and beverages to be consumed on the premises. ... NOLA redirects here. ...

Copeland became a New Orleans icon due to his flamboyant lifestyle, including his eponymous power boat racing teams, extravagant weddings, and his annual Christmas light show at his mansion located in an upscale neighborhood in Metairie. A 1962 Rebel. A wooden speedboat with an outboard engine. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... Metairie is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. ...

Personal Life

Al Copeland grew up poor and did not complete high school as a teen.^[2][3] Copeland worked as a soda jerk and then for Tastee Donut, a doughnut chain part-owned by his brother, Gil Copeland.^[4][5] This experience exposed him to the restaurant business and franchising. Copeland became a local celebrity in New Orleans through his annual Christmas light display. Many national media organizations have ranked the display, most notably the Today Show which ranked in the top three.^[6] In the display's heyday, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office provided traffic control, and cars would back-up into surrounding subdivisions. While Copeland's display was the main attraction, surrounding homes also contributed to the atmosphere, and foot-traffic between displays and neighborhood parties was significant. Not all neighbors were pleased with the annual festivities.^[7] Soda jerk (or soda jerker) is the name for the person — typically a youth — who works the soda fountain in a drugstore. ... For other uses, see Today. ... Jefferson Parish is a parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. ...

Copeland has often been surrounded with controversy. In 1983, Copeland was sued by his neighbors to remove his home's Christmas light display.^[8] In 1991, a judge later permitted Copeland to display a scaled-down version of the display.^[9] In 1993, Copeland made an unsuccessful bid for a Louisiana gambling license.^[10] The successful bidder, Robert Guidry, later testified that he (Guidry) had bribed then governor Edwin Edwards to secure the license.^[11] Eight years later, Guidry and Copeland would encounter each other at an upscale restaurant in New Orleans.^[12] A fight ensued involving Copeland, Guidry, and Guidry's sons. Witnesses said that Copeland's then wife, who was six months pregnant, was knocked to the ground during the fight, and both Copeland and his spouse were hospitalized.^[13] Bobby Charles promotional photo, ca. ... Edwin Washington Edwards (born August 7, 1927) served as the Democratic governor of Louisiana for four terms (1972–1980, 1984–1988, and 1992 –1996), twice as many terms as any other Louisiana governor has served. ...

Copeland's third marriage ended with significant controversy. The third divorce's original presiding judge, Ronald Bodenheimer, plead guilty to promising a custody deal favorable to Copeland in return for a possible seafood contract and other benefits.^[14] Copeland contributed to the Bodenheimer campaign, and, according to Bodenheimer testimony, had personally contacted Bodenheimer regarding the custody matter.^[15] Bodenheimer stated that he had been summoned to a home owned by a Copeland business and stated that Copeland told him, "We supported you because you were the kind of guy who would do the right thing. And the right thing is to keep me and Alex together".^[16] At the time of his testimony, Bodenheimer was the subject of a significant federal probe. Two Copeland associates, as well as Bodenheimer, went to jail for participating in the conspiracy. Other than the Bodenheimer testimony, Copeland was never personally accused of participating.^[17]

Copeland has been the subject of ridicule as his appearance leads many to believe he has had extensive cosmetic surgery.^[18]

In December 2007, Copeland began treatment for a malignant tumor of the salivary glands, a rare form of cancer.^[19] Unsupported rumors that Copeland either died or is "on his death bed" have continually flourished within the New Orleans community.^[20] While the family has been relatively private in regard to Copeland's health, they have on several occasions refuted the rumors and assured the public that Copeland's treatment was going well and that "He's doing great."^[21]. Copeland had sought experimental treatments in Germany but lost his battle on March 23, 2008.

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits

In 1972, Copeland founded the Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits fast food chain in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi. Copeland began franchising his restaurant in 1976, opening the first franchise restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Approximately 500 outlets were added over the next 10 years, followed by 200 more during a period of slower expansion. Early logo Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits (often referred to only as Popeyes. ... Fast food is food prepared and served quickly at a fast-food restaurant or shop at low cost. ... Arabi is an unincorporated community located in St. ... For the Canadian restaurant, see Baton Rouge (restaurant). ...

In March 1989, Popeyes, then the third-largest chicken chain, purchased Church's Chicken, the second largest.^[22] The parent company, Al Copeland Enterprises, operated the two chains separately. Combined, the company had over 2,000 locations.^[23] Criticism of the merger included the resulting presence of competing locations. Efforts were made to close underperforming stores and sell franchises; however, operational improvements could not overcome financial burdens resulting from the merger. Churchs Chicken is a U.S. chain of fast food restaurants specializing in fried chicken. ...

The Church's purchase was heavily financed with the security being the assets of Popeyes and the acquired company.^[24] In 1990, Al Copeland Enterprises had $391 million in debts. The debt reached more than $400 million by April 1991 when Copeland filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the company. ^[25] Creditors had petitioned for involuntary bankruptcy and efforts to have the petition dismissed had failed.^[26] The bankruptcy court, in October 1992, approved a plan submitted by a group of Copeland's creditors that created America's Favorite Chicken Company, Inc. (AFC). AFC served as the new parent company for Popeyes and Church's.

Although Copeland lost Popeyes due to the bankruptcy, he retained the rights to some Popeyes products which he manufactures through his Diversified Foods & Seasonings plants located in Metairie, Madisonville, New Orleans, Mobile, San Antonio and Nebraska City. , Metairie (local pronunciations , ) is a suburb of New Orleans. ... Madisonville is a town in St. ... NOLA redirects here. ... It has been suggested that List of people from Mobile, Alabama be merged into this article or section. ... San Antonio redirects here. ... Nebraska City is a city in Otoe County, Nebraska, United States. ...

Other Businesses & Investments

Copeland owns several restaurant chains, including Copeland's, Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro, Amor deBrazil, and Sweet Fire & Ice, as well as the Improv comedy clubs located in California and Pittsburgh, PA, and three hotels, one of which is in New Orleans. New Orleans restaurant legend Al Copeland founded his namesake restaurant in 1983 -- 11 years after founding Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits. ... Improv on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles The Improv is a comedy club founded in 1963 in New York City. ...

Footnotes

Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 29th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 29th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

• Church's Chicken website

External links

• Al Copeland Investments's website
• Copeland of New Orlean's website
• Cheesecake Bistro's website
• Amor De Brazil's website
• Sweet Fire & Ice's website
• Church's Chicken official website
• Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits official website