California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. operates as a casual dining restaurant company specializing in gourmet pizzas and California-inspired cuisine. The company manages a portfolio of restaurant locations operating under the California Pizza Kitchen brand name.

In 2026, California Pizza Kitchen continues its transformation under new ownership, with an investor group led by Consortium Brand Partners announcing plans to acquire the company in December 2025. Convive Brands, which is part of the group, will direct global operations, with Convive Chief Executive Jon Weber leading the restaurant group. The deal, scheduled to close in December 2025, positions the restaurant chain for "a new era of growth" according to the new ownership group. The group plans to expand the franchise, create new products, and enhance the brand's presence across restaurants and retail.

California Pizza Kitchen restaurants serve as casual dining destinations offering innovative pizzas, salads, pastas, and other California-inspired dishes. The company operates through company-owned and franchised locations while maintaining brand standards and quality. Despite its financial troubles in recent years, CPK remains a well-known brand that bounced back from bankruptcy. The company currently has more than 120 restaurants in 10 countries, with terms of the recent acquisition deal reported to be under $300 million according to Reuters. The new ownership structure aims to leverage the brand's 40+ year heritage while implementing modern growth strategies focused on franchise expansion and product innovation.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. was founded in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax in Beverly Hills, California. The original concept focused on gourmet pizzas with California-inspired ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique pizza offerings and casual dining atmosphere.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, California Pizza Kitchen expanded significantly, establishing locations across the United States and internationally. The company went public in 1993 but was later taken private through various acquisitions and restructurings.

In 2019, Sycamore Partners acquired California Pizza Kitchen, bringing the brand under private equity ownership. The company has continued to operate its casual dining locations while adapting to changing consumer preferences.