California Pizza Kitchen is a leading casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax in Costa Mesa, California. Known for its inventive California-style pizzas and fresh, seasonal approach to dining, California Pizza Kitchen has built a strong reputation for blending familiar favorites with bold global flavors.

As a beloved restaurant brand with more than 250 locations across 26 states and 9 countries and U.S. territories, California Pizza Kitchen serves guests through company-owned and franchised restaurants, as well as licensed frozen pizza products in supermarkets. The company employs approximately 14,000 people and continues to be a recognized name in the restaurant industry.

When Was California Pizza Kitchen Established?

Founded: 1985
Founders: Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax
Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Industry: Restaurants
Locations: Over 250 restaurants
States Operated: 26 states in the USA
Countries Operated: 9 countries and U.S. territories
Employees: Approximately 14,000
Annual Revenue: $969.7 million

California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement

“To redefine casual dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold global flavors.”

What Is California Pizza Kitchen Known for?

Here are some of California Pizza Kitchen’s standout features that separate it from its competitors.

Innovative California-Style Pizzas

California Pizza Kitchen is best known for its creative California-style pizzas, especially The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. This signature item helped define the brand’s identity and remains one of its most popular menu offerings.

Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients

The California Pizza Kitchen menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and imaginative flavor combinations. From Margherita Pizza to Thai Crunch Salad, the brand emphasizes quality and variety across its casual dining menu.

Licensed Frozen Pizza Products

In addition to its restaurants, California Pizza Kitchen generates revenue through licensed frozen pizza products sold in supermarkets, extending its brand into retail and making its signature flavors more widely available.

How Many Locations Does California Pizza Kitchen Operate?

California Pizza Kitchen operates over 250 locations across 26 states in the USA and 9 countries and U.S. territories.

The brand’s restaurant network includes company-owned and franchised locations, supporting its position as a global casual dining brand with a broad geographic footprint.

Which States Does California Pizza Kitchen Operate in?

California Pizza Kitchen operates in 26 states across the U.S., serving guests in major markets and suburban communities alike. Its national presence helps the company remain a recognizable casual dining leader.

Who Owns California Pizza Kitchen?

California Pizza Kitchen operates as a network of company-owned and franchised casual dining restaurants. It also works with licensed retail products, adding another revenue stream to the business model. The company emerged from bankruptcy in November 2020 with significantly less debt and an estimated annual revenue of $969.7 million.

Is California Pizza Kitchen Currently Hiring?

You can check out the open positions that California Pizza Kitchen has right here on OysterLink.

California Pizza Kitchen Jobs in Washington

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