Restaurant Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned American restaurant chain that has firmly established itself as a leader in the casual dining industry by blending innovative cuisine with an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Since its founding in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK has been a pioneer in introducing original California-style pizzas and dishes that combine fresh ingredients and creative culinary techniques. With beloved menu items like The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken, the brand has carved out a significant niche in the pizza revolution alongside other culinary powerhouses from Chicago and New York. Known for its lively open kitchens and commitment to quality, CPK continues to attract taste makers, rule breakers, and earth shakers who thrive on thinking outside the box and embracing challenges with enthusiasm.

California Pizza Kitchen prides itself on a company culture driven by its ROCKS philosophy - Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. This culture fuels the dedication of their teams to bring their best selves not only to work but also to their communities, encouraging passion, creativity, and personal growth. At CPK, every employee is motivated to be bold, be epic, and most importantly, be themselves, creating an inclusive workplace where unique talents and skills can flourish.

The available role at California Pizza Kitchen is designed for candidates who are passionate about hospitality leadership and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences. This position offers the opportunity to lead and inspire a dynamic team in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment. The primary objective is to uphold CPK's best-in-class culture by focusing on people-first management strategies that nurture team development, cross-training, and career growth. This role involves overseeing culinary execution, hospitality standards, and financial performance to ensure the restaurant meets and exceeds its goals.

The position includes the responsibility of managing the restaurant's profit and loss (P&L) statements and meeting financial objectives through effective forecasting, labor cost management, budget preparation, portion control, and variance analysis. Communication is pivotal in this leadership role, requiring excellent verbal and written skills to liaise effectively with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management. Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to sanitation standards is another essential aspect.

Candidates for this role can expect a comprehensive eight-week training program that utilizes diverse learning methods such as online courses, training manuals, and hands-on mentorship. This thorough preparation ensures each new leader is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed at CPK. Additionally, CPK provides a unique electronic learning platform called 'The Proof,' designed to engage team members in continuous development.

The compensation package for this position is competitive, with a current salary range of $65,000 to $70,000 plus bonus potential. The benefits package is comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, and a 401K plan. Employees also enjoy perks such as unlimited pizza during work shifts, a Management Dine-Out card for meals with family and friends, and access to the Kindness Fund which offers assistance during personal life challenges. CPK fosters an environment where team members can express their unique talents and skills, contributing to a vibrant and passionate workplace.

Overall, this role at California Pizza Kitchen is an excellent opportunity for experienced front-of-house managers who are ready to lead with integrity and enthusiasm, drive business success, and grow within a supportive and innovative company that values its employees as much as its customers.