Al Copeland - Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits

In 1972, Al Copeland founded the Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits fast food chain in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi in St. Bernard Parish. 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.

In March 1989, Popeyes, then the third-largest chicken chain, purchased Church's Chicken, the second largest. The parent company, Al Copeland Enterprises, operated the two chains separately. Combined, the company had over 2,000 locations. 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.

The Church's purchase was heavily financed with the security being the assets of Popeyes and the acquired company. 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. Creditors had petitioned for involuntary bankruptcy and efforts to have the petition dismissed had failed. In October 1992, the bankruptcy court approved a plan submitted by a group of Copeland's creditors that created America's Favorite Chicken Company, Inc. (aka AFC) AFC served as the new parent company for Popeyes and Church's.

Although Copeland lost Popeyes in the bankruptcy, he retained the rights to some Popeyes recipes and products. He manufactured the spices through his Diversified Foods & Seasonings plants located in Metairie, Madisonville, New Orleans, Mobile, San Antonio and Nebraska City. The Diversified Foods & Seasonings contract with Popeyes extends through 2025.