Tastee Donuts
Known for: A New Orleans-area donut chain founded in 1968 by Gil Copeland, brother of Popeyes founder Al Copeland, best known today for keeping the recipes of the defunct McKenzie's Pastry Shoppes alive, including buttermilk drops and king cakes, at its McKenzie's-branded Lakeview shop.
3 locations
Metairie, LA · New Orleans, LA
Tastee Donuts was founded in 1968 by Gil Copeland, whose brother Al worked in the donut shops while developing the fried-chicken recipes that became Popeyes; Gil grew Tastee into a franchised chain of nearly fifty stores before selling it. When the McKenzie's bakery chain went bankrupt and closed in 2001, Tastee bought its recipes and logo rights and opened a McKenzie's-branded Tastee in a former McKenzie's storefront at 901 Harrison Avenue in Lakeview.
Open since 1968
Current owner unknown; founder Gil Copeland sold the chain; operating entity appears to be Tastee Restaurant Corporation, New Orleans. Historically franchised; current franchise status unverified.

