Al Copeland, a flamboyant New Orleans businessman, founded the Copeland's and Popeyes restaurant chains. Undated photo: Courtesy of Copeland's of New Orleans
Al Copeland opened the first Copeland's of New Orleans restaurant 40 years ago this week.
- It was at 1001 South Clearview Parkway in Elmwood and is still open.
Fast forward: The chain now has 10 locations in three states.
- The restaurants are celebrating the anniversary with specials Friday in Louisiana locations.
Worth noting: Al Copeland also founded Popeyes. He died in 2008 at the age of 64.
- He was a colorful character known for his flamboyant lifestyle, philanthropy, massive Christmas light display and spat with vampire novelist Anne Rice.
- His family donated the Christmas lights, and they are now used at the parish light show at Lafreniere Park.
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