California Pizza Kitchen Franchise
California Pizza Kitchen is a global full-service restaurant franchise best known for its unique pizzas but also serves soups, salads and more.
$2,000,000
$50,000
131
1989
Playa Vista,CA
Jim Hyatt
About California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen has locations throughout the United States as well as many regions worldwide. Over its more than 30 years of operation, the company has developed an outstanding reputation for its fresh, delicious pizzas with unique sauces and toppings. CPK also serves pastas, salads, sandwiches, soups, appetizers and desserts. In addition to its many full-service restaurants, CPK operates smaller venues such as walk-ups at airports, college campuses and airports. It also sells selected frozen pizzas, available at many grocery stores.
CPK restaurants offer sit-down dining, as well as take-out and delivery at many locations. Catering is also available for many locations. For large events, CPK offers the option of a pop-up kitchen.
The company uses fresh ingredients and innovative recipes to keep its menu updated and delicious. Available options include vegetarian, gluten-free, whole-grain and cauliflower crust. CPK features a variety of seasonal and limited-edition items on a regular basis.
Franchise Unit Trends
131
-
-
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$50,000
5.0%
Gross Sales
1.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose California Pizza Kitchen?
California Pizza Kitchen is a globally recognized brand with locations in a variety of areas. It has a strong brand identity and a loyal customer base. In addition, its menu and pricing position it favorably as a high-quality and convenient dining destination. Its takeout, delivery and catering services expand its target demographic and make it a good choice for events such as company retreats.
Franchisees also benefit from the company's high level of experience in management, marketing and recipe development. Though the company has some strict requirements for prospective franchisees, it in turn provides a high level of training and support.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$2,000,000 - $5,000,000
$5,000,000
$2,000,000
Training & Support
The company requires that managers and key employees attend a three-month training period in California.
History
The first California Pizza Kitchen opened in 1985. The restaurant was founded in Beverly Hills, California, by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, who were seeking a change from their prior careers as federal prosecutors. CPK developed its signature pizzas, including fresh, original flavors such as Thai Chicken and Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The food was cooked in an open kitchen, adding to the friendly and relaxed environment. CPK centered its menu on using global flavors to upgrade ordinary restaurant fare.
CPK expanded quickly and currently has over 270 full-service restaurants throughout the world, in addition to its more compact locations in airports, sports venues, and universities. In August 2000, CPK went public and began trading on NASDAQ using the ticker symbol CPKI. In 2011, the company was acquired by Golden Gate Capital and reverted to being a privately held company.
Ideal Candidate
Although California Pizza Kitchen is currently not offering franchising in the US, locations can become available in the future. Franchise locations are also available globally.
California Pizza Kitchen requires a high level of financial commitment, setting a minimum net worth of $5 million and a minimum liquidity of $2 million. In addition, prospective franchisees must have already been successful in the restaurant industry and own multiple restaurants. CPK also requires prior franchise restaurant experience and a thorough understanding of relevant market, real estate, regulatory and other issues that impact the operation of a franchise such as CPK. The company also requires that managers and key employees attend a three-month training period in California.
This web page is not endorsed by or affiliated with any franchisor. Product and company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for referential purposes only.