Operations

California Pizza Kitchen to launch 1K automated pizza machines nationwide

Photo: California Pizza Kitchen

August 24, 2026

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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 three years, according to a press release.

The automated kiosks will be placed in high-traffic locations where traditional restaurants are impractical, such as airports, universities, hospitals, hotels, office complexes and sports venues. Utilizing touch-screen technology and Turbo-chef ovens, the machines can cook and deliver a pizza in as little as 90 seconds.

"For decades, CPK has been dedicated to meeting consumers wherever they are, whether through our global restaurant network, airport and non-traditional locations, off-site events, or the local grocery store where we've been a leading premium pizza brand for 25 years," Michael Beacham, president of California Pizza Kitchen Global, said in the release. "Our automated retail strategy, now accelerated through a partnership with T-ROC, introduces CPK to entirely new occasions and venues where consumers desire quality food on the go."

In addition to pizza, the machines will offer other menu favorites, including Kung Pao and Bolognese spaghetti, mac 'n' cheese and butter cake.

"CPK is exactly the kind of iconic consumer brand that can redefine what automated retail can be," Brett Beveridge, CEO and founder of T-ROC Global, said in the release. "Consumers increasingly expect their favorite brands to meet them where they are, and technology is making that possible in entirely new ways. By combining CPK's brand, food and loyal following with T-ROC's nationwide infrastructure and technology capabilities, we have an opportunity to build a new national distribution channel at a meaningful scale."

The initial rollout will target 30 major U.S. markets in clusters of at least 20 units to establish market density. T-ROC will manage the deployment, replenishment and maintenance using its 32 warehouses, dedicated van fleet and technicians.

CPK has been testing the automated machines since last year, with kiosks currently operating at airports in Boston, Atlanta, Dallas and Dayton, Ohio. Another 15 machines will activate at several universities later this year. Under the agreement, T-ROC will also act as the nationwide service provider for CPK's other automated retail operating partners.