Copeland's of New Orleans Restaurants Continue Expansion Into New Markets

NEW ORLEANS, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Copeland's of New Orleans Restaurants announced today that it will be expanding its restaurant market, with new locations set to open in Nashville, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama.  Under the leadership of Andy Gunkler, Chief Franchise Development Officer for Al Copeland Investments, in 2010 alone, Copeland's of New Orleans Restaurants has signed franchise deals with locations set to open in San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL under Abydos hospitality.

The new restaurants will be designed to fit the new Copeland's prototype, which debuted at the Copeland's Baton Rouge location in 2009.  The new prototype includes a new bakery area, upgraded kitchen, renovated "pub-style" bar area and an expanded dining room that can seat 220 customers.  A remodeled outdoor seating area also allows patrons to savor the ambiance of New Orleans al fresco.  The prototype embodies all of the elements that Copeland's restaurants are known for: upscale, high-energy hospitality, chef-crafted cuisine and signature cocktails

After unveiling two new restaurants in the past four months in the San Antonio and Austin, Texas markets, Gunkler has led the charge in growing yet again in the restaurant business while adhering to the brand's core principles of scratch cooking, unique flavor profiles, variety and value.

The new restaurants are designed to recreate authentic New Orleans feel of dining. 

"The goal is to bring the spirit of New Orleans to new markets.  It's all about differentiation today. We're not just another casual dining concept- dining at Copeland's brings traditional New Orleans cuisine to every patron- whether the restaurant is in Nashville and Birmingham, or New Orleans," said Gunkler.

Founded on the commitment to make every dish true to the culinary traditions of New Orleans augmented by the gracious hospitality of the Copeland Family.  The franchises in Nashville and Birmingham will now bring the restaurant concept to twenty-four locations nationwide.

Copeland's restaurants adhere to the brand's core principles of scratch cooking, unique flavor profiles, variety and value.  The new Copeland's of New Orleans prototype has been designed to continue the tradition of serving authentic New Orleans cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment.

Founded on the commitment to make every dish true to the culinary traditions of New Orleans augmented by the gracious hospitality of the Copeland Family, Copeland's of New Orleans has twenty locations nationwide.

About Al Copeland Investments (ACI)

The ACI family of companies includes 52 restaurants, hotels and comedy clubs throughout the US, including Popeyes Restaurants, Copeland's Diversified Food and Seasonings, Copeland's of New Orleans, Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro, and Copeland's Social City, among others.  A southern icon, Al Copeland's memory lives on through the Al Copeland Foundation which is dedicated to the eradication of Merkel Cell Carcinoma, the disease that took Copeland's life. For more information on ACI and the Al Copeland Foundation, visit www.alcopeland.com and www.alcopelandfoundation.org.

SOURCE Al Copeland Investments