California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen hopes a fake rebrand will get people talking

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 27, 2025

The casual-dining chain created some buzz this week by unveiling a bold new look, only to reverse course with the help of actress and superfan Busy Philipps.

Technology

Virtual Dining Concepts believes it has another hit with Man Vs Fries

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 17, 2025

The brand known for giant, fry-stuffed burritos is generating more revenue per store than any of the company’s other brands and could reach thousands of locations this year.

Financing

California Pizza Kitchen begins franchising in the U.S.

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 11, 2024

The casual-dining pizza chain hopes to add about 75 domestic locations via franchising over the next five years starting with an operator in Nevada.

Operations

California Pizza Kitchen looks to sell stores to franchisees

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 24, 2023

The refranchising program is the latest step in the chain’s efforts to run fewer of its own restaurants.

Leadership

California Pizza Kitchen names new CEO amid C-suite shakeup

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 01, 2022

CEO Jim Hyatt is out, along with longtime culinary chief Brian Sullivan and two others. Board member Jeff Warne was named CEO and president.

Premium

Food

CPK breaks into new menu territory with its California-style burger

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 04, 2022

It took an internal mind shift, plus the addition of griddles and a couple of SKUs, for Chef Brian Sullivan to perfectly execute the new West Coast Burger.

Food