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Prior to this, Mr. Copeland served as Senior Executive Vice President of Copeland's Restaurants, where he provided leadership and direction for the marketing, operations and purchasing and research aspects of the fully-franchised restaurant division. He began his career as an Assistant Manager of Popeyes Chicken, a company his father founded in 1972.
In addition, Mr. Copeland is executor to the Copeland family estate and Chairman of the Board for Al Copeland Foundation, which was founded after his father Al Sr.'s life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Merkel Cell Carcinoma. The foundation helps fund research to find a cure for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a deadly cancer that strikes only three people per 100,000 each year in the United States. Al's hobbies and interests include boat racing, racquetball, general fitness training and sports cars and racing. - Continue Reading Bio
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Will is a proven senior executive having managed budgets over $200,000,000 in material for AFC Enterprises, owner of Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits and prior owner of Church's Chicken, Cinnabon and Seattle's Best Coffee. As Vice President of Purchasing for Avado Brands, owners of Hops and Don Pablo's restaurant, he was responsible for all purchasing and supply chain activity for both brands.
Additionally, Will grew up in a military family and lived in numerous locations, including West Germany. He spent five years in the U.S. Army as an Ordnance Officer after being commissioned in Clemson University Army ROTC program.
Will holds a BS, Financial Management from Clemson University and a MS, Administration from Central Michigan University. He is a member of the National Black MBA Association, the American Purchasing Society and Global Register's Who's Who of America in Executive and Professionals.
Will and his wife Sherry have two kids, William and Nicole ages 15 and 13. He enjoys playing golf and most all outside sports. - Continue Reading Bio
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Andy has been successful in structuring programs, identifying opportunities, introducing strategic marketing plans and concepts that support market expansion and changing corporate needs. He is skilled in development of cooperative relationships throughout all organizational levels. He is a versatile and proactive business development and financial professional with a consistent record of success in venues that range from managing $100 million portfolios of Fortune 500 Clients and marketing franchise agreements for leaders in the food service industry. He has outstanding, presentation, negotiation, and leadership qualifications. Andy has a B.S. in Economics and a Minor in Psychology from Wabash College. Andy has a versatile and impressive background and we welcome him aboard. - Continue Reading Bio
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Chef Wheeler's dishes have been praised by top celebrities including Regis Philbin and Garth Brooks. Wheeler is also the mastermind behind the Chris Paul CP3 Dish, which he worked directly with New Orleans Hornet Superstar Chris Paul to create. He resides in Folsom, LA and lives with his wife, two daughters and two dogs.
Company Al Copeland Investments, Restaurant DivisionThe Mission of our company is inspired by our founder
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Al Copeland "Recipe for success, a passion to be the best" - Al Copeland |
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Al Copeland, Jr. - Chairman of the Board Al Copeland Jr. serves as the CEO and Chairman of Al Copeland Investments (ACI), a privately owned, multi-faceted management company. His chief responsibilities include managing and overseeing the ACI restaurant group, the Copeland's hotel division, Improv Comedy Clubs and Diversified Food & Seasoning manufacturing plants in addition to other entities. |
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Bryan M. White - Chief Administrative Officer Born New Orleans, Louisiana. Education: Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering & Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University. Worked as commercial litigator with retired United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana in private practice prior to becoming corporate counsel for the Popeyes & Church's chains from 1990-1992. Served as Vice-President & General Counsel of Al Copeland Investments from 1992-2003 and as Chief Administrative Officer from 2003-present. |
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William Marvin - Chief Procurement & Management Officer In August 2008, William Marvin was named Chief Purchasing Officer for Al Copeland Investments. Will has over 15 years of purchasing experience, having worked for companies such as PepsiCo, Inc., The Schwan Food Company, AFC Enterprises, Inc., Avado Brands, Inc. and Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppe, LLC. |
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Ronald Wendel, Jr. - Vice President of Finance; |
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Andy Gunkler - Chief Franchise Officer Andrew Gunkler, Chief Franchise and Development Officer, for the Al Copeland Investments' Restaurant Division. We welcome Andy aboard with more than 25 years of experience in Franchise and Finance. Andy's experience comes from companies such as: East Side Mario's, in Toronto, Canada, Houlihan's Restaurant Group, Kelsey's International, Elephant Bar, and Quaker Steak and Lube. |
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Charleston "Chuck" Wheeler - Director of Culinary Operations Charleston "Chuck" Wheeler is the Director of Culinary Operations for Al Copeland Investments, which owns and operates a wide variety of restaurants in the New Orleans region, including: Copeland's Famous New Orleans Restaurant & Bar, Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro and Copeland's Social City. Chef Wheeler's culinary skills have led to media appearances and placements with USA Today, Martha Stewart Radio, Yahoo!, CBS (WWL-TV), NBC (WDSU-TV) and New Orleans City Business, in addition to many others. |
