1985
200
$5,000,000
$50,000
$6,700,000
No
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) stands as a beacon of culinary creativity in the American restaurant industry. Founded in 1985 by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax in Beverly Hills, California, CPK revolutionized the pizza landscape by introducing innovative toppings like BBQ Chicken Pizza, blending California's fresh, seasonal ingredients with global flavors. This fusion approach quickly garnered a loyal following, propelling CPK to national prominence.
Today, CPK operates over 180 locations across the United States and internationally, including airports, universities, and stadiums. The brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer experience has solidified its position as a leader in the casual dining sector.
Investing in a CPK franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Established Brand Recognition: Benefit from a brand with a strong national presence and a loyal customer base.
Innovative Menu: Access to a menu that combines classic favorites with unique, globally inspired dishes.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing operational support to ensure success.
Growth Potential: With CPK's recent focus on franchising, there are numerous opportunities for expansion in untapped markets.
Established: 1985
Founders: Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax
Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California
Franchise Since: 1989
Franchise Units: Approximately 200 locations in the U.S.
International Presence: Locations in over 10 countries, including China, Mexico, and the Philippines
Ownership: Privately held, with a focus on franchising for expansion
Industry Category: Casual Dining, Pizza
CPK's journey from a single restaurant in Beverly Hills to a global brand is a testament to its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The introduction of the BBQ Chicken Pizza in the late 1980s marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for the brand's expansion. Despite challenges, including a period of corporate restructuring, CPK has remained a prominent player in the casual dining industry.
California Pizza Kitchen is known for providing comprehensive support to its franchise partners, ensuring they are well-prepared to run a successful operation from day one. Their support can be broken down into several key areas:
Before opening a new franchise, CPK assists with:
Site Selection: Guidance on choosing the most strategic location based on demographics, traffic patterns, and competition.
Lease Negotiation: Assistance in negotiating favorable lease terms to ensure a sustainable business model.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Support in planning restaurant layouts, décor, kitchen workflow, and seating arrangements according to CPK brand standards.
Permits & Licensing: Advice on local regulatory requirements, including health, safety, and business permits.
CPK offers a structured training program that prepares franchisees and their teams to operate effectively:
Comprehensive 9-Week Program: Covers all aspects of restaurant operations, from kitchen management to front-of-house operations.
Operational Training: Hands-on guidance on food preparation, recipe standards, and kitchen efficiency.
Customer Service Training: Ensures staff deliver the high-quality, consistent experience that CPK is known for.
Management Training: Focuses on staff management, inventory control, scheduling, and performance metrics.
Point-of-Sale (POS) & Technology Training: Instruction on CPK’s POS systems, reporting tools, and operational software.
Franchisees benefit from strong marketing and branding assistance:
National Marketing Campaigns: Participation in brand-wide advertising campaigns to boost visibility.
Local Marketing Guidance: Templates and strategies for community engagement, promotions, and social media campaigns.
Digital Marketing Resources: Guidance on online ordering platforms, delivery partnerships, and loyalty programs.
CPK continues to support franchisees after launch to maintain standards and profitability:
Regular Field Visits: Brand representatives visit locations to assess operations, provide feedback, and recommend improvements.
Operational Assistance: Continuous support for menu updates, cost control, inventory management, and efficiency.
Franchisee Intranet & Resources: Access to a dedicated platform with operational manuals, training videos, and performance tracking tools.
Problem-Solving & Advisory Services: Expert guidance for challenges ranging from staffing to marketing or operational issues.
Workshops & Seminars: Periodic training sessions for new menu items, seasonal promotions, and best practices.
Leadership Development: Programs to help franchise owners and managers grow into strong leaders for multi-unit operations.
Peer Networking: Opportunities to connect with other franchisees to share strategies and insights.
California Pizza Kitchen looks for franchise partners who not only have the financial capability to invest but also share the brand’s values of quality, innovation, and customer service. The ideal franchisee profile includes the following characteristics:
Restaurant Industry Experience: Preferably someone with prior experience in managing full-service or casual dining restaurants.
Multi-Unit Management: Ideal candidates have a track record in operating multiple locations or managing a team of managers.
Business Acumen: Strong understanding of operational management, inventory control, cost management, and profitability.
Minimum Net Worth: Around $5 million.
Liquid Assets: At least $2 million available for investment.
Ability to Fund Multiple Units: CPK often prefers franchisees who are capable of opening 3–5 units within the first 5 years.
Long-Term Commitment: Investors should be prepared for the initial investment and ongoing operational costs until the business reaches break-even.
Passion for the Food Industry: Enthusiasm for delivering a high-quality dining experience and innovating within the restaurant space.
Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to lead teams, develop managers, and motivate staff to maintain CPK’s high standards.
Customer-Oriented Mindset: Commitment to exceptional service, consistency, and a positive guest experience.
Collaborative Approach: Willingness to work closely with CPK corporate, other franchisees, and industry partners.
Strategic Locations: Franchisees should target high-traffic, high-visibility areas such as city centers, shopping malls, airports, or university towns.
Market Development Mindset: Candidates should be interested in expanding CPK’s presence in under-served markets in the U.S.
Brand Loyalty: Alignment with CPK’s mission to deliver innovative, globally inspired menu offerings.
Quality & Standards Compliance: Commitment to uphold CPK’s operational, culinary, and service standards.
Growth-Oriented Vision: Desire to grow multiple units over time and contribute to CPK’s national footprint.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Initial Investment | $3,477,000 – $6,700,000 (includes build-out, equipment, signage, initial inventory, etc.) |
| Minimum Net Worth | $5,000,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $2,000,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fees | 3% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Approx. $2,500,000 – $4,500,000 (depending on location and size) |
| Working Capital | $200,000 – $400,000 (for initial operations) |
| Expected ROI | Typically 15–25% annually (location-dependent) |
| Break-Even Time | 2–3 years (depends on revenue and operational efficiency) |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, merchandise, and packaged food sales |
