Restaurant Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain specializing in innovative, hearth-baked pizzas and creative California-inspired dishes. Founded in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK revolutionized the pizza industry by introducing unique flavor combinations such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken pizzas. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and an engaging open kitchen concept, CPK quickly became a notable player in the pizza market alongside traditional hotspots like Chicago and New York. Today, CPK is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, inventive cuisine, and a passionate culture that thrives on creativity, hospitality, and community engagement. The company embraces its ROCKS philosophy, emphasizing Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service, fostering a supportive environment for both employees and guests.

The role at California Pizza Kitchen is designed for a dynamic and experienced Front of House (FOH) manager who is passionate about customer service, team leadership, and operational excellence. This management position offers a comprehensive and immersive eight-week training program that employs various learning methods, including online modules, book studies, and direct mentorship through shoulder-to-shoulder teaching. This ensures that new managers are well-prepared to uphold CPK’s high standards of service and culinary excellence.

As a FOH manager at CPK, you will be expected to lead by example, inspire your team with a people-first approach, and contribute to fostering a best-in-class company culture. You will play a vital role in building a hospitality-focused and high-performing team, engaged in delivering phenomenal guest experiences. The position requires strong business acumen, including managing the restaurant’s profit and loss statements, controlling labor costs, maintaining portion standards, budgeting, and analyzing financial variances to meet profitability goals. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, are crucial for effectively interacting with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management.

CPK offers a competitive salary range between $70,304 and $78,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, and a 401K plan. Additional perks include an employee-driven Kindness Fund to assist with life challenges, opportunities for career growth and cross training within the company, and unique employee incentives such as manager meals during shifts and a Management Dine-Out card to enjoy meals with family and friends. This role provides an inclusive environment where personal creativity and unique talents are valued and encouraged.

Applicants should expect a physically active work environment with the ability to sit, stand, or walk up to 10 hours a day, occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds. The position requires close attention to safety and sanitation standards to maintain a healthy environment for both guests and staff. CPK is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and values diversity, welcoming applications from individuals of varied backgrounds and experiences. This role offers the chance to join a passionate team that dares to work on the edge of culinary innovation while delivering exceptional dining experiences.