How I came to work for the Copeland Family was a bit unique. I was hired as a hostess in 1985, and that was the beginning of my lifelong career with my work family. Within four years of working in the restaurant I became a certified trainer, learned all stations, both FOH and HOH, and did my first restaurant opening as a trainer. I had just started working as a Manager when I was promoted to the Corporate Office as FOH Training Coordinator, soon after I moved to the HOH and eventually became Director of Training. The company was growing fast so I had the opportunity to be part of countless restaurant openings.  The experiences and knowledge that I gained from working directly with Big Al and the Executive Chef, George Rhode, are invaluable. As my life changed, becoming a mom of three, I was offered the opportunity to move into roles that worked best for myself and the company.  Now 36 years later, I am the Director of Employee Development & Benefits for ACI and I would not change one thing about my career path. The experiences and relationships I have had along the way have greatly contributed to the person I am today. I love this company and truly consider the people I work with as part of my family.

I, like so many others, have worked for a multitude of companies in the hospitality industry over the years. I have been with Copeland’s for over a decade now. It has been wonderful to work for a company that not only has a strong and well-balanced set of values, but also uses them to guide how they run the business. From my first day on the job bussing tables and serving, to my time spent as a bartender, I always felt valued by the people I worked for. After a few years, I was presented with a chance to move into management and found that not only was I valued as an individual but that I would also receive the guidance and knowledge to gain confidence and grow in my role. I was later given the opportunity to move into my current role as a General Manager and I am amazed at how much support I have and how much desire the company has for me and the other people in my building to not only succeed, but to grow both personally and professionally. Copeland’s provided an environment where what started out as just another restaurant job has turned into an enjoyable and rewarding career with a company that I am proud to work for. A company that promotes growth and development. A company that is proud to serve.

Never did I think that my first job out of high school would lead to my lifelong passion. With the many changes my life took: college, marriage and starting a family my career needs changed too. Copeland’s was able to accommodate my changing world. That’s a winning combination!

It seems like just yesterday I was begging for a job as a hostess at CNO 5 in Slidell (because it was the “coolest” place to work)….it was the mid 80’s and both our hair and our dreams were big.  I moved through various positions in the restaurant and then into a career at the Corporate Office working in the Training Department.   During this time – Big Al pushed us hard.  He wanted only the best of the best – for the company and for each of us personally.  During this time, not only did I gain knowledge and experience that would prove to be invaluable in my life, but I also made relationships (both personal and business) that would last a lifetime.  I moved on to do my own thing for about 20 years (opening my own BBQ restaurants) and then after I sold that business, I decided I still wanted to work a little. So imagine my delight when one of those relationships that I made so many years ago reached out to say there was a job at the Corporate office that might interest me.  I took that job almost 5 years ago and here I am – things have changed since the 80’s but it feels good and it feels right – just like coming home.

What started out as a part time job as a server for the Copelands Restaurant in Slidell to take care of my family while I was going to school turned into a 30+ year career.  I’m now the Accounts Payable Supervisor at our Corporate Office. Over the years, I’ve met so many people and made “life long friends” working at Copelands.

It was 1983, I was working as a cashier at a little place called, Mrs. Wheat’s Meat Pies and Curly Fries, when one of the Supervisors came in with plans for a new restaurant concept that he was assisting Al Copeland Sr with, Copeland’s of New Orleans. Not long after, in November the new restaurant opened and I was offered the opportunity to work there as a hostess and server. Once, the second location opened on Veterans, I was transferred and soon became the Unit Controller. As the company grew so did my career, I transferred as UC to Copeland’s on St. Charles and then was promoted to the Accounting Department at the Corporate Office. The company invested in my education and my career path led me to become the Chief Financial Officer over all of ACI’s companies. The 37 years I have spent with this company have brought me so many lifelong friends, knowledge and experiences.

In September of 2008 I joined Copelands's restaurants. I started at Cheesecake Bistro as a Unit Controller, and part time FOH manager. Now I am part of the accounting department as a General ledger Accountant. I enjoy working for a company that truly values their employees.