Restaurant Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant company that has established itself as a pioneer in the casual dining and pizza industry since its founding in 1985. Co-founded by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK began as a bold idea to revolutionize pizza by introducing California-inspired, innovative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken. The brand quickly positioned California as an influential player in the pizza world alongside Chicago and New York styles. Over the years, CPK has built a passionate community of taste makers, rule breakers, and earth shakers who thrive on pushing boundaries, working boldly, and thinking creatively.

California Pizza Kitchen fosters a one-of-a-kind company culture grounded in its ROCKS philosophy—Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. The company is deeply committed to building a welcoming and inclusive workplace where employees feel empowered to be themselves and bring their unique talents to work every day. CPK’s focus extends beyond the restaurant tables—it believes in moving people forward, encouraging team members to pursue growth through extensive training, mentorship, and recognition. They offer a comprehensive eight-week training program that incorporates online resources, hands-on shadowing, and book-based learning to ensure new hires are fully equipped to succeed.

The role available at California Pizza Kitchen is a leadership position responsible for delivering an outstanding guest experience while managing the restaurant’s daily operations. This role requires a dynamic and people-first leader who can inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team centered around hospitality, culinary excellence, and superior service. The manager will play a critical role in building sales, profitability, guest loyalty, and team engagement by cultivating a positive culture consistent with CPK’s best-in-class standards. Responsibilities include managing profit and loss (P&L) statements; forecasting and budgeting financials; optimizing labor costs; and ensuring adherence to sanitation and safety standards.

Communication skills are vital for this position, as the manager will regularly interact with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management to maintain operational excellence and uphold the brand’s reputation. In addition, CPK provides a supportive environment where team members can express their creativity and continuously develop their skills through platforms like "The Proof"—an innovative electronic learning tool designed to engage and enhance career growth.

The physical demands of this role require the ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods and occasionally perform tasks that involve bending, lifting, or kneeling. CPK offers a competitive salary range of $65,000 to $70,000 annually for this role, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, and a 401K plan. Manager meals, a Management Dine-Out card, and employee assistance programs like the Kindness Fund are among the valuable perks designed to support employees both professionally and personally.

As an equal opportunity employer, California Pizza Kitchen celebrates diversity and inclusivity in its workforce, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or other protected classifications. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a passionate team where you can contribute to a beloved brand, grow your leadership career, and be part of a community that values kindness and creativity.