Al Copeland founded Popeyes in New Orleans in 1972.
Copeland opened the first restaurant, originally called Chicken on the Run, in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi. The business was later renamed Popeyes Mighty Good Fried Chicken, and it developed a menu influenced by New Orleans and Louisiana flavors.
The chain’s name is commonly written simply as Popeyes, although its corporate branding has used longer forms such as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. The restaurant became known for spicy fried chicken, Cajun-inspired seasoning, and regional side dishes.
Popeyes is sometimes confused with Church’s Chicken because both are major American fried-chicken chains. Church’s began in San Antonio, Texas, whereas Popeyes began in the New Orleans area. Copeland remained an important figure in the company’s growth until his death in 2008.