Restaurant Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain that has carved out a unique niche in the culinary landscape by blending California creativity with classic pizza-making traditions. Founded in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK revolutionized the pizza industry by introducing innovative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken. These signature dishes are prepared in a lively open kitchen that encourages a vibrant dining experience, making CPK a destination for food enthusiasts and those who appreciate inventive flavors and quality ingredients.

At California Pizza Kitchen, culture is grounded in a philosophy known as ROCKS, which stands for Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. This philosophy extends beyond just the workplace, as CPK is deeply committed to fostering community engagement and supporting team members in their personal and professional growth. The company emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to bring their authentic selves to work. The environment is energetic, supportive, and driven by a shared passion for hospitality and culinary excellence.

The position available is for a management role, charged with upholding CPK's best-in-class culture and leading a team that delivers a phenomenal guest experience. This role is integral to building and nurturing a high-performing team that excels in both hospitality and culinary execution. Leadership at CPK means inspiring and developing top talent to drive restaurant performance, promoting a culture of growth and continuous learning. Managers are expected to foster an environment of cross-training and career development for team members, supporting their ambitions and enhancing ROI through motivated staff.

Key operational responsibilities include managing the restaurant's profitability, overseeing the Profit and Loss (P&L) statements, and meeting financial objectives by forecasting and adjusting labor expenditures, practicing strict portion control, preparing budgets, and analyzing variances. Effective communication is vital to this role — the manager will interact with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management using excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure smooth operations.

Health and safety are paramount at CPK, and management is responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment by adhering to all regulatory standards and procedures. The company offers a comprehensive training program that lasts eight weeks, using diverse learning methods including online modules, books, and hands-on instruction. This prepares managers thoroughly to navigate responsibilities effectively from day one.

CPK’s culture presents a passionate, unique work environment where managers can express their talents and skills freely. Employees enjoy numerous perks such as an employee assistance program called the Kindness Fund, which supports team members through life challenges, and an innovative electronic learning platform named "The Proof" that engages continuous development. The company also offers an industry-competitive compensation package with potential bonuses, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and the enticing benefit of free pizza meals during shifts as well as a Management Dine-Out card.

To sum up, California Pizza Kitchen offers not just a job but a career path filled with opportunities for growth, creativity, and leadership in a vibrant, supportive environment where passion for food and people drives success. The salary for this managerial position ranges from $70,500 to $75,000 with an array of benefits designed to support and reward team members. California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone at the table has an equal chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully.