California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. is a renowned food and beverage company founded in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax in Costa Mesa, California. Known for its innovative California-style pizzas, the company has expanded its menu to include pastas, salads, small plates, and desserts, earning a loyal customer base across the United States and internationally.

With approximately 14,000 employees, California Pizza Kitchen operates a network of both company-owned and franchised casual dining restaurants. The brand also generates revenue through licensed frozen pizza products available in supermarkets, underscoring its diverse business model within the foodservice industry.

Company Overview and History

Founded: 1985
Founders: Rick Rosenfield, Larry Flax
Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California, United States
Industry: Food and Beverage
Employees: 14,000
Annual Revenue: Not publicly disclosed

California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement

Not publicly disclosed

What Makes California Pizza Kitchen Different

California Pizza Kitchen stands out in the casual dining sector with its distinctive California-style pizza offerings and a commitment to culinary innovation.

Innovative California-Style Pizza

Specializing in unique pizza creations, California Pizza Kitchen features signature items such as the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza. These inventive toppings exemplify the brand's creative approach to classic pizza dishes.

Diverse and Balanced Menu

Beyond pizza, the company offers a broad menu including pastas, fresh salads, small plates, and desserts, catering to a wide range of customer preferences and promoting a balanced dining experience.

California Pizza Kitchen Menu and Popular Items

The menu at California Pizza Kitchen includes:

Pizzas
Pastas
Salads
Small Plates
Desserts

Some of the most popular menu items are:

Original BBQ Chicken Pizza
Thai Chicken Pizza
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza

California Pizza Kitchen Business Model and Operations

California Pizza Kitchen operates both company-owned and franchised casual dining restaurants, enabling it to maintain a strong presence in the market.

Multi-Channel Revenue Streams

In addition to dine-in and takeout services, the company generates significant revenue from licensed frozen pizza products available in supermarkets, expanding its reach into retail grocery markets.

Employment and Career Opportunities at California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen provides a variety of career opportunities across restaurant operations and corporate roles, with details accessible through their official website.

Available Positions

Restaurant team members including cooks and servers
Management positions such as shift supervisors and restaurant managers
Corporate roles spanning marketing, operations, and administration

Career Growth

The company fosters employee development and encourages internal advancement, making it a competitive choice for those seeking long-term careers in the foodservice industry.

Financial Performance and Market Position

California Pizza Kitchen faced financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic which impacted the casual dining sector globally.

Bankruptcy and Recovery

The company filed for bankruptcy protection in July 2020 but successfully emerged from bankruptcy in November 2020 with reduced debt, positioning it for recovery and future growth.

Market Position

California Pizza Kitchen is recognized as a leader in California-style pizza within the casual dining market, competing with brands like Olive Garden and Pizza Hut.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Details regarding California Pizza Kitchen's corporate social responsibility initiatives are not publicly disclosed.

California Pizza Kitchen Locations and Contact Information

California Pizza Kitchen operates restaurants in multiple international markets, although their Miami locations have permanently closed.

Global Presence

The company has locations in the United States (including Guam), Costa Rica, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and South Korea.

Miami Locations

Previously, California Pizza Kitchen operated locations in Miami, Florida, specifically at 300 Miracle Mile and 2100 NW 42nd Ave; however, both are now permanently closed.

Corporate Contact Information

Address: 575 Anton Blvd Ste 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7672, United States
Phone: Not publicly disclosed
Website: cpk.com

Competitive Analysis

California Pizza Kitchen competes directly with other casual dining chains offering pizza and Italian cuisine, such as Olive Garden and Pizza Hut, focusing on innovation and quality to differentiate its brand.

Future Outlook for California Pizza Kitchen

Following its emergence from bankruptcy in late 2020, California Pizza Kitchen has prioritized financial restructuring and operational efficiency.

Post-Bankruptcy Strategy

While specific future plans have not been publicly disclosed, the company's focus remains on stabilizing its business and regaining market share within the casual dining pizza segment.

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