ABOVE: The family poses for a Christmas gathering. From left to right: Al Copeland Jr., (in Al’s arms) Hayden Fitzsimmons, Liz Copeland, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Allison Fitzsimmons, Ashley Copeland, Wendy Thomason, Alexandria Copeland, Paul Rueter, Ariel Copeland and Alyssa Copeland. RIGHT: A bracelet that Liz worked on with jewelry designer Jose Balli honoring Al Copeland and the Al Copeland Foundation. All the women in the family own one.
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.
Liz notes that working side-by-side with her husband may be challenging, but it has actually been an added benefit in her marriage.
Sophisticated Woman | April 2010
executor of the Copeland family estate. Together, the Copeland family is continuing his legacy of success. “Most people did not get to see the loving, family side of him,” Liz says of Copeland Sr. “He had a generous and loving spirit, contributing to organizations without asking for recognition. Most of all, he loved having his entire family together—aunts, uncles, siblings, children and grandchildren. It was not uncommon for our family vacations to include 40 people. These are traditions we are continuing today.” Liz says that her father-in-law was a perpetual list maker who would check off goals as he accomplished them. The family is now working to complete his final list—to find a cure for Merkel Cell Carcinoma and to break the world speed boating record. Liz’s sister-in-laws, Charli and Ali, are co-presidents of the Al Copeland Foundation, along with Bonnie and the rest of the Copeland clan, helping in anyway possible to fund cancer research. It hosts numerous charitable events each year, including the recent golf tournament, annual fashion show, and a Christmas party in conjunction with their father’s famous lights display, now a part of holiday decorations at Lafreniere Park. The Copeland family completed building the boat that their father designed with the goal to break the world propelled speed record. The Phenomenon debuted in Key West at the World Championship Boat Race and was featured at the Miami International Boat Show in February. Al Jr. will be competing for the world record on July 2 in Sarasota, FL. Liz and the family will be cheering him on from the shore. Liz notes that working side-by-side with her husband may be challenging, but it has actually been an added benefit in her marriage. “We are enjoying building our business together. Even when we go out to dinner, we still end up at one of the restaurants. We have fun in our own places.” A successful business woman and a devoted wife, Liz says the title she enjoys most is “mom” and most recently “grandmother” (she’s
called “Lili”). She was in the delivery room when Allison had her son, Hayden. “Watching my daughter deliver a child was one of the most precious moments in my life.” Liz cites her greatest accomplishment to date is her daughters. “I wanted to show my girls the values of hard work and education, but most importantly, the value of being good human beings. I am proud that they remain well-grounded.” Liz hopes that five years from now she will be doing the same things she is doing now—supporting her husband to grow the Copeland family of restaurants. Since 2010 began, Copeland’s has signed franchise deals with new restaurant locations set to open in San Antonio, Austin, Nashville, Birmingham and Texarkana. They will be designed to fit the new Copeland’s prototype, which debuted at the Kenner location in 2007. The prototype includes a new bakery area, upgraded kitchen, renovated “pub-style” bar area, gas lanterns, a courtyard patio 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. “Good things are happening at our restaurants. We introduced a new menu at Copeland’s last year, including ‘small plates’ to address many women’s desires for smaller portioned entrees at lower prices. In addition, we have just implemented an online ordering system, www.Copelandstogo.com, and Curbside to Go, which originated at the Copeland’s in Covington and then expanded to Kenner. We will be further rolling out this program to all of our restaurants within the next few months.” “We are working hard and having fun so I am not sure I want things to change too much, except I wouldn’t mind having a few more grandchildren!”
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