Al Copeland Investments names Allison Copeland Donnelly restaurant division president

Al Copeland Investments promoted Allison Copeland Donnelly to president of its restaurant division, putting a third-generation family leader in charge of operations across the company’s dining brands. The move highlights ACI’s push to pair legacy with internal leadership development as it expands its hospitality portfolio.

Why it matters: - Al Copeland Investments is elevating a third-generation family executive to lead its restaurant division, reinforcing continuity in a business built on the Copeland family brand. - The promotion puts day-to-day control of the restaurant portfolio in the hands of a leader with long company history and deep operational experience. - The change underscores ACI’s emphasis on internal development, succession and a people-first culture across its hospitality businesses.

What happened: - Al Copeland Investments and Chairman & CEO Al Copeland Jr. promoted Allison Copeland Donnelly to president of the company’s restaurant division. - Donnelly previously served as senior vice president of the restaurant division. - The announcement was made June 24, 2026, in New Orleans. - Donnelly will oversee operations across ACI’s restaurant brands, including Copeland’s of New Orleans, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Mirepoix Event Catering and Nolé special event venue.

The details: - Donnelly started working in the family’s restaurants at age 15. - After earning a hospitality management degree from the University of New Orleans, Donnelly worked in ACI’s hotel division. - Donnelly moved into restaurant human resources after Hurricane Katrina to help with critical staffing efforts. - ACI says that post-Katrina experience shaped Donnelly’s focus on hospitality leadership and employee development. - Donnelly has helped drive growth through innovation and a people-first culture. - Donnelly is known inside the company for a collaborative leadership style and for mentoring team members. - In her new role, Donnelly said her focus will be evolving the restaurant division while elevating the guest experience. - Donnelly said the division will stay grounded in strong teams, internal development, consistent execution, exceptional food and connection to guests and community. - Donnelly said that balance will support the company’s next phase of growth and its promise of “Flavor You Can Feel. Roots You Can Trust.”

Between the lines: - The promotion keeps leadership inside the Copeland family and ties current strategy to the founder’s legacy. - ACI is signaling that its restaurant division will lean on continuity and operational discipline rather than a broad strategic reset. - The company is also using the announcement to spotlight its broader portfolio, including food manufacturing, hotels, retirement living and philanthropy.

What’s next: - Donnelly is expected to guide the restaurant division’s next phase of growth across ACI’s dining and event concepts. - ACI will continue operating as a privately owned management company under Al Copeland Jr., with restaurant operations alongside Diversified Foods & Seasonings, hotel assets, Copeland Tower Living and the Al Copeland Foundation. - The company says its broader mission remains focused on culinary innovation, quality and Southern hospitality across all divisions.

The bottom line: - ACI is putting a longtime family operator in charge of its restaurant division as it leans on legacy, culture and internal talent to drive growth.