Third-Generation Leadership: Donnelly Takes Restaurant Division at Al Copeland Investments

Allison Copeland Donnelly has been named president of the restaurant division at Al Copeland Investments, the New Orleans-based family holding company. The promotion, announced by Chairman and CEO Al Copeland Jr., places a third-generation family member in charge of a portfolio that includes Copeland’s of New Orleans, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Mirepoix Event Catering, and Nolé event venue.

Donnelly started working in the family restaurants at 15, later earning a hospitality management degree from the University of New Orleans. Her career took a decisive turn after Hurricane Katrina, when she stepped into the restaurant division’s human resources team to handle post-storm staffing. That experience, she said, sparked a focus on employee development and internal promotion.

In her previous role as senior vice president, Donnelly helped drive the division’s growth through what the company describes as a people-first culture. The promotion formalizes her oversight of operations across all four brands.

“I’ve grown up in this business and had the privilege to learn every part of it,” Donnelly said in the announcement. “As president, my focus is on evolving our restaurant division and elevating the hospitality experience while staying grounded in what sets us apart: strong teams, internal development, consistent execution, exceptional food and a genuine connection to our guests and community.”