Operations

California Pizza Kitchen expands frozen offerings in grocery stores

Photo: California Pizza Kitchen

March 10, 2026

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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 to a press release.

The expansion follows the brand's acquisition in December by an investor group led by Consortium Brand Partners. The new domestic products, inspired by the brand's restaurant menu, are in culinary development and scheduled to reach grocery stores nationwide in early 2027.

"Expanding CPK's global licensing business was a major part of our investment strategy," Cory M. Baker, founder and managing partner of Consortium, said in the release. "We see significant opportunities to leverage CPK's brand equity and cultural relevance to introduce innovative products that meet consumers wherever they shop or dine."

The company is also growing its international footprint through a partnership with Nestlé to market frozen pizzas across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Distribution is expected to begin this quarter, with products hitting shelves in select markets by mid-year.

"CPK has built strong global brand recognition, and we see a meaningful opportunity to grow the frozen pizza portfolio across Latin America and the Caribbean," Holly Honroth, senior brand manager at Nestlé, said in the release.

In Asia, CPK plans to enter Japan and the Shanghai region of mainland China in the coming months. This follows a recent launch in Taiwan, where its BBQ Chicken Pizza is currently sold at Costco warehouses.

Michael Beacham, president of CPK Global, said the company is focused on scaling the brand while maintaining quality.

"Our retail business has succeeded by translating the flavors and creativity that guests love in our restaurants into distinctive, quality products they can enjoy at home," Beacham said in the release. "As we evolve the portfolio beyond pizza and expand into new global markets, we're working with world-class partners to ensure product quality, consistency and thoughtful market entry. This is about scaling the brand in a way that preserves what makes CPK distinctive while accelerating growth."

California Pizza Kitchen has restaurants in 25 U.S. states along with non countries and U.S. territories.