Beyond the BBQ Chicken Pizza: The values that built California Pizza Kitchen

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

In the second installment of this two-part series, California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield recounts the company's culture that made it a success…

The $250,000 gamble that launched California Pizza Kitchen

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

In the first installment of this two-part series, California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield recounts how he and law partner Larry Flax walked away…

CPK launches ‘Apology Pizza’ campaign, promises fan-favorite comeback

October 5, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen is apologizing to fans this National Pizza Month by giving away up to 25,000 "Apology Pizzas" and promising to bring back a…

Valentina Ellison brings airport restaurant experience to automated vending

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Valentina Ellison, CEO and co-founder of Evolvending, is drawing on nearly two decades in airport concessions and nontraditional restaurants to expand…

California Pizza Kitchen pizza vending machine lands at Dayton airport

September 2, 2026

A California Pizza Kitchen automated retail machine is already operating at Dayton International Airport, giving Ohio travelers access to freshly prepared…

California Pizza Kitchen to launch 1K automated pizza machines nationwide

August 24, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen is partnering with retail technology provider T-ROC Global to deploy up to 1,000 automated pizza machines nationwide over the next…

California Pizza Kitchen offers free pizza following tournament penalty kicks

June 26, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen is launching a soccer-themed promotion this summer that gives rewards members a chance to score free pizza following penalty kicks…

California Pizza Kitchen expands national menu with spring entrées, cocktails

April 29, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen has released a limited-time expansion of its national menu, adding five entrées and four spritz cocktails, according to a press…

California Pizza Kitchen expands frozen offerings in grocery stores

March 10, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen has expanded its of global retail line, including its first move into frozen appetizers and entrees in the U.S. since 1999, according…

CPK cuts labor variance by 50% via AI partnership

February 23, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen is slicing into the future of upscale casual dining by ditching legacy systems in favor of AI-driven operational tools. The 144-unit…

California Pizza Kitchen to be acquired by Consortium Brand Partners

December 17, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen will be acquired by Consortium Brand Partners, a consumer brand investment platform, together with Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands…

The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

California Pizza Kitchen returns to North County, California

November 21, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen has opened in Encinitas, California, marking the brand's anticipated return to the North County of San Diego, according to a press…

California Pizza Kitchen rolls out new pizzas for National Pizza Month

October 6, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen is offering new and returning pizzas for National Pizza Month — the new Cacio e Pepe Pizza and returning fan-favorite Habanero…

California Pizza Kitchen, Farmer’s Fridge partner to offer BBQ Chicken Salad nationwide

September 24, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen is partnering with Farmer's Fridge to offer its Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad in more than 1,800 smart fridges across the…

California Pizza Kitchen offering $10 Pizza Days

August 5, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen is offering $10 Pizza Days on Mondays and Tuesdays, offering guests four of its best-selling hand-crafted pizzas for only $10 each…

California Pizza Kitchen celebrates Pi Day with $3.14 pizzas with $25 purchase

March 11, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen is celebrating Pi Day (March 14) by offering The Original BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni or Traditional Cheese pizza for just $3.14 with any…

Pizza market to grow by $70.1B

February 17, 2025

The pizza market is estimated to grow by $70.1 billion from 2025-2029, according to a Technavio report.

California Pizza Kitchen, Man vs Fries debut virtual dining, secret menu

January 10, 2025

Virtual Dining Concepts has created a partnership between its virtual restaurant, Man vs Fries, and California Pizza Kitchen debuting in 118 restaurant…

CPK partners with Fandango for 'Moana 2' movie promo

November 21, 2024

California Pizza Kitchen has partnered with movie ticket ordering platform Fandango for a promotion on Disney's "Moana 2" film. Customers who spend $50 or more…