California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) was founded in 1985 by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax.
The first location was on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, California with an investment of $550,000. The company was an immediate success. By 1992 there were 26 restaurants in the chain.
In 1992 PepsiCo paid about $100 million for a 67% stake in the company.
PepsiCo began an aggressive expansion strategy, which proved to be a failure.
In 1997 private equity firm Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Company bought out PepsiCo’s two-thirds with the intention of taking the company public in 2000. They did so, and CPK was a public company, trading on the NASDAQ, from 2000 to 2011.
Another expansion was executed but it turned out that the people in charge were masking difficult financial information and were fired. Founders Rosenfield and Flax took over the company again.
In 2011 the company was acquired by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.
Today California Pizza Kitchen has 265 casual-dining restaurants that specialize in pizzas with unique toppings and combinations, including duck, shrimp, pears, and salad.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) was founded in 1985 by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax.
The first location was on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, California with an investment of $550,000. The company was an immediate success. By 1992 there were 26 restaurants in the chain.
In 1992 PepsiCo paid about $100 million for a 67% stake in the company.
History
PepsiCo began an aggressive expansion strategy, which proved to be a failure.
In 1997 private equity firm Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Company bought out PepsiCo’s two-thirds with the intention of taking the company public in 2000. They did so, and CPK was a public company, trading on the NASDAQ, from 2000 to 2011.
Another expansion was executed but it turned out that the people in charge were masking difficult financial information and were fired. Founders Rosenfield and Flax took over the company again.
In 2011 the company was acquired by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.
Today California Pizza Kitchen has 265 casual-dining restaurants that specialize in pizzas with unique toppings and combinations, including duck, shrimp, pears, and salad.
Hi I went to the Desert Ridge CA Pizza Kitchen in Phoenix yesterday. I was very upset by our visit. First there were no paper menues and the bar code didn’t work on any of our phones. So we just ordered something easy. Well mine was burnt and when mentioned to the manager she said sorry no compensation or anything. Then when we went to pay with cash the only change we got was dollar bills not the coins. So we ask about that. We were told there is no change in the register. So we ask for the manager. She threw change on the table at one of us and the rest went without. So I guess the resturaunt keeps od change from peoples bills? Then the manage who I believe is Kelsey
said she was sent over from CA to make this resturaunt better. Well she did nothing but discourage us. Nonething was done to make us feel like a valued customer!!!!
I would to explain my latest experience at one of your fine restaurants. The “boys” (father, son, son, and grandson) stopped at CPK at Lenox mall in Atlanta GA. My father went to order a drink and a pizza for us while the rest shopping. When we arrive to CPK, The manager (erica) was an absolute miserable woman, There was a wait. She said that we could not sit at any of the 15 empty tables. Immediately and an angel arrived(Robyn). Very quickly handled and diffused the situation. Robyn told Erica that “the team” could handle the situation. She quickly and professionally spoke with Monica and Allen. Erica stormed off like a 3 year old because she didn’t get our way. Special shout out to Monica and Allen for completely handing and stepping up. Robyn should be a manager for the way she stepped up! Thank y’all. Keep up the great food. One apple shouldn’t ruin in for the rest. I just thought someone should hear this.
I just thought I’d address my complaint here. I used to work for the company 14 years ago (in TX) and I came to love the food. The menu items have significantly changed and has turned many of my friends and family off to the food. You have brought back the Carne Asada Pizza which is golden to me. It used to come with fresh tomato salsa (the one that came with the original focaccia bread) as well as the salsa Verde. In my opinion the salsa should come with it and you should use the old recipe. I tried the new focaccia recipes and the are subpar at best. Also, please stop taking the pear and gorgonzola pizza off the menu. You guys make it like none other and it is a staple that kept us all coming back. Lastly, BRING BACK THE TORTILLA SPRING ROLLS (ESPECIALLY THE BAJA WITH SPICY GUAC). Clearly you are trying to add new menu items and I don’t blame you but you took the wrong items off! I used to drive 30 minutes out of my way in Houston traffic because it was such a treat. It’s not worth it now. Suggestion as well…Arugula and prosciutto pizza to the menu? I hate to write you all off but you gotta do a little better. Your focusing more on power bowls and entrees…Your name is California Pizza Kitchen! The public wants to be healthy to a certain extent. We need a little more taste from a pizza place. BTW, if you get rid of the California Club….I’m done! Need my Pear and Gorgonzola as well as the Tortilla rolls back now. PLEASE!
I usually visit the Pasadena, CA location on Los Robles and the times that I have eaten inside, the food has been delicious. However, the (3) three times that I have order “Curbside” within the last year, the food has been terrible. I mean to the extent, that it’s not edible. Are they preparing “Take-Out/Curbside” differently, than sit down preparation? I can see if this occurred one time, but 3x’s? Last night, which will be the last time, I ordered “Curbside” for myself and two other family members, but they neglected to include my Chicken Piccata. In addition, the Chicken Alfredo Fusilli pasta that I ordered for my son, was terrible. The pasta was very tough and the chicken was very overdone.
I would like to wholeheartedly commend and thank The General Manager of California Pizza Kitchen Montgomery Mall Bethesda, MD, that is JB and his amazing staff for all their efforts in helping me this evening. I had the most delightful dinner with my daughter, we ordered our favorites including dumplings and tricoloris pizza. Upon returning to our home I realized that I had left my red bag on the chair right under the hightop where we were seated. I quickly called to let them know my mishap, and they searched but found nothing. I was quite upset and told them I was coming back to look for my bag, the general manager, JB took my phone number and so kindly said that if they find anything they would call me immediately. I disappointedly left and thought that no one is ever going to find my bag or call me. Then just minutes later I received a call from JB saying that he found what may be my bag. I hurriedly drove back and he indeed found my bag, apparently someone had taken it to the restroom with high hopes of finding something else quite valuable. I was so thankful and tried to give him a tip but he insisted on not taking it and said instead to please patronize the establishment. Well, I hope that corporate realizes how amazing the staff is in Bethesda MD under the direction of general manager JB! Thank you so very much for instilling all the wonderful values of everything good back into society! Thank you so much to JB and California Pizza Kitchen Montgomery Mall Bethesda MD for everything you did to make me believe in the goodness of all people I am a customer for life! best wishes!
TO: Mr. Jim Hyatt
CEO
California Pizza Kitchen
12181 Bluff Creek Dr
Play Vista, CA 90094
Dear Mr. Jim Hyatt:
I had promised myself that I was not going to write to you or your guest relations team about bad experiences that I have had at your restaurant located in Boston at the Prudential Centre, 800 Boylston Street #155. I have just moved to the neighbourhood and since I basically live next door to the Prudential Centre, I made it a point to go to your restaurant for light dinners and drinks almost every night; however, because of two badeexperiences, one with your hostess and another with one of your bartenders (Sidney). We have now decided to go elsewhere. During one of our visits for dinner, your hostess was plain rude. We complained about her to no avail. We decided to give CPK another chance because of the fact that we have become very friendly with two of your bartenders, who have gone above and beyond to serve us. Well, on Friday, 20 August, 2021, I went to dinner and drinks around 4:00 p.m. and my usual bartender waited on me. As he was nearing the end of his shift, I had dinner and a glass of wine. I paid my tab, and he left and I remained at the bar. I finished my dinner and drink, and remained at the bar. The next bartender (around 5:00 p.m.) Sidney never once asked me if wanted anything else. She waited on everyone else at the bar, while I sat there with an empty glass and dirty dishes and napkins in front of me. Sidney totally ignored me while she chatted with others. Finally, I had enough, I just picked up my briefcase and walked out. On Saturday, 21 August at 12:32 pm I called and spoke with my regular bartender. He apologized and he put me through the manager on duty. I believe this manager’s name was “Dave.” I explained the issue to him, again to no avail. He did not seem to care. After being on the phone for 13 minutes, I just gave up. It appears that customer service is not his forte. That same afternoon around 4:45 p.m., I went back to CPK to speak to my regular bartender to let him know that I was not coming back ever to CPK. He had already gone for the afternoon. I spoke with the manager who happened to be the same person I had spoken with about the issue regarding Sidney. I introduced myself and all he said was “sorry” and walked away.
This so called manager was rude, ignorant, and unfit to be called “manager.” He totally ignored me, my concerns, and he failed to reprimand his staff member. He told me on the phone that he was going to “conduct an investigation.” That’s rubbish! He can easily review the security cameras if he has any doubts. I can easily subpoena the video footage if he chooses to go there. Again, I will not set foot ever again in any of your restaurants. There is a lack of training, sensitivity, and customer service. Some of your staff members just don’t give a damm about patrons. All they care about is a pay Cheque and tips.
Thank you.
Upon entering business in waikiki on 8/22/21 there was no customer service. No Greeting. No Table set up. Ordered beers but not offered glasses. Asked for set ups but brought only a napkin Ordered 2 entrees. Bar b due pizza and tequila pasta. After 30 minutes food arrived warm. No server asked how it was. No one asked if we needed anything .Finally asked for a manager . He said sorry for the experience. At lest 12 employees standing around talking. No concern for the restaurant. Table behind me said same thing. No service or concern. Really? Really? There is no excuse
Why I’m never going back to CPK.
Last month for my birthday your company sent me a coupon by email for a free dessert. Great! It’s the first offer of anything free I’ve ever gotten from your company. CPK used to be a regular lunch stop for me pre pandemic. Since I haven’t visited a CPK in over a year I thought I would take you up on the offer and order dinner to go at your Encino, CA., CPK (16101 Ventura Blvd Ste. 200, Encino, CA 91436).
My dinner tab came to $57.85. When I told the server for my free birthday treat I would like a slice of cheesecake, she looked up my phone number in her system (a 7-minute wait) and said I wasn’t in there and would not give it to me. I showed her the email from your company addressed to me. She said she still couldn’t give it to me and said I should talk to the manager.
Okay I said, then waited about 8 minutes for the manager to come over. I went through the same spiel with him and showed him the email. He then went to the same computer and said I wasn’t in the system. I said if I wasn’t in the system then why and how did I get this coupon from CPK? In fact, I’ve been getting email enticements from CPK for years.
Now, I’m getting pretty mad. I’ve just wasted 15 minutes over a slice of cheesecake. But then came the topper. The manager, instead of saying I’m so sorry over the mix-up, let me get you an extra slice for your trouble, said “I can’t do anything about it. Would you like to speak to the General Manager?” This is where I lost it. I said no thanks (but not that nicely), and told him I’m never coming back. Dinner was ruined. The evening lost.
Your coupon did the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do. The managerial staff should know better. They have clearly not been trained to respond to such situations in a positive way, especially when the mix-up came from your company!
I am not writing this to get some coupon from you to entice me to return. I will not go back to CPK. I just wanted corporate to know how petty and unprofessional the staff was at this particular CPK.
FYI: This is the header from the recent Pizza with a Purpose sales email from your company (CPK Rewards (rewards@ cpkrewards.com). Notice my name at the top. If I was never in your system then how does it know my name? Maybe the account expired. If it did, then why am I still getting ads and coupons from your company?
Hello, Richard
Annual Points: 0 | Benefits Level: Palm | CPK Rewards Dollar Balance: 0
Goodness I just have to say I do agree that they should have just given you the cheesecake but you literally sound like a male Karen. You go ahead and try and find a manger to search the database for you and discuss the situation… let’s time you. Next off $50 isn’t bragging. Last off dude have more patience, you’re LITERALLY dining at CPK. Come talk to me when you’re at anything than a fast casual. You’re welcome Richard ??
Dear Team,
I need to get a hold of someone as I am about to cancel a transaction were I was double invoiced on my dinner. I called the restaurant to advise them of my double transaction. The manager advised me that the waitress caught her mistake but that the charge would not go through well that was wrong. The charge did go thorough. I called the restaurant back they told me to send an email and then instead of deleting the charge they billed me for half the charge instead of taking it off. This is not right. This has been going on since 8/1/2019. The restaurant is the one located at Lakewood Center Mall in Lakewood Ca.
Upon arrival we were greeted by a hostess (Madea) who proceeded to roll her eyes and slammed menus when we asked to be seated. She was extremely rude and unprofessional. Genuinely shocked by her behavior, we considered leaving the restaurant at which time she said “don’t worry, I won’t be the one serving you. I’m just the hostess.” When asked if there was a problem, she proceeded to condescendingly turn to us and say she did not have a problem but wanted to apologize to my husband since he seemed to offended. She went on to explain that her job was to greet us and be the first face of the restaurant and she did a poor job of doing that. She brushed past myself and my 4 children to extend her hand to him and ask that he accept her apology. We all were collectively silent as we were shown to our table genuinely shocked by the encounter.
After several minutes we were served bread by the manager, Frankie and our server Jose (who was amazing). I proceeded to explain to Frankie what happened with the hostess. Frankie apologized and advised that she would have a conversation with the staff regarding expectations when greeting customers. She handed me the General Manager’s, Victoria Hobson, business card and advised I could reach out to her directly if I wanted to. We all felt that she was unconcerned about the actions of her employee or how that affected us. Both Frankie and Madea had several opportunities to try to resolve the issue satisfactorily and failed to do so.
We were in Norfolk from Washington DC to move two of our children into their college dorms. We were all offended by the way this hostess treated our family and the lack of concern or action to try to remedy the situation satisfactorily by both the server and the manager. This situation was unacceptable and should not have happened to us or to anyone. I happened to visit this same restaurant the evening prior and was served by Melissa in the bar area. That visit was pleasant and the type experience customers should have during every visit, the polar opposite of what we experienced the next day. I would not likely return to any California Pizza Kitchen or recommend it to anyone if this is the way you allow your guests to be treated.
I just want to thank the team at CPK (Novi, MI). We had the lunch portion of my son’s birthday party there this afternoon and it went so well. My guests were so impressed with the fast, efficient service. Kudos to the two young ladies at the host stand, the two bussers and our server, Austyn was awesome. Although he had other tables and we were a party of 18 with children, he was very attentive, filling water glasses, checking periodically on everyone and providing excellent customer service. I have over 25 years in the hospitality industry so I am a bit particular. CPK Novi, you ROCK! Thanks for adding to the awesome-NESS of my son’s birthday!
I had the opportunity to visit CPK in the Short Hills Mall in NJ and both times my wife and I had a very good experience with the staff, Manager and the food. I will continue going there.
TO: Mr. Gerard J. Hart
CEO
California Pizza Kitchen
12181 Bluff Creek Dr
Play Vista, CA 90094
August 10, 2018
Dear Mr. Gerald J. Hart
I am writing today regarding the restaurant California Pizza Kitchen, located at 4211 Waialae Ave, Kahala, Hawaii, where my experience here for the second time really infuriated me. I thought i would give California Pizza Kitchen at Kahala Mall a second chance. But i regret my decision and will never take out or dine in the restaurant again. Also I’ll let all my family and friends know to never dine at this rude and unprofessional establishment again.
On August 10, 2018, I was told I would need to wait abut a half hour to be seated. I told the young lady that took my reservation that, it would be fine, took the pager they gave me and proceeded to do some additional shopping. After two hours I went back to the CPK, and politely ask if the wait was going to be much longer because i did not receive a page yet. I young lady at the front replied by saying, we tried to page you, were you on the other side for the mall? I replied yes. She then told me, then thats why you never received our page.
Your company need to teach your staff about being more professional and maybe having a better way of contacting waiting customers. CPK at Kahala Mall should be replaced with another dining establishment.
I had a recent problem with a CPK gift card at the location at Scottsdale Rd. & Shea in Scottsdale, Arizona. In a world of mostly non-customer service, it was my pleasure to be helped by a manager at that location named Charmaign Pulliam. She was pleasant, friendly, efficient, caring and got the job done. I want to personally thank her in writing to let her know how much I appreciated her diligence in solving the problem. I only wish there were more people like her.
TO: Mr. Gerard J. Hart
CEO
California Pizza Kitchen
12181 Bluff Creek Dr
Play Vista, CA 90094
September 9, 2017
Dear Mr. Gerald J. Hart
I am writing today regarding the restaurant California Pizza Kitchen, located at 4211 Waianae Ave Kahala Hawaii, where I recently experienced an event which disgusted me so much that I will never take out or dine in the restaurant again.
On August 18, 2017, I ordered Chicken Tequila Fettuccine, Crispy Mac & Cheese, and Spring Roll for take-out. Almost halfway through my meal, I bit something that I was not expecting . Only to find out that it was a BROKEN NAIL.
Why would there be a broken nail if your employees supposed to wear gloves while preparing and cooking the food you offer to your customers. This is very alarming and hazardous for customers’ health.
I’ve been sick from TMJ since June and weren’t able to eat properly. Then my appetite started getting back and for the first time the food I craved was Tequila Fettuccine and my worse luck, this happened to me.
I am very meticulous when it comes to what I eat especially on how it is being prepared. And this kind of negligence is very disgusting rather disappointing.
I highly suggest that the Department of Health & Hygiene investigate their health and safety license, as well as the cleanliness of their food serving areas, kitchens and general hygiene of the staff preparing and serving the food to customers.
Please look into the matter; this restaurant should be closed down for severe lack of hygiene!
Sincerely Yours
Elizabeth Frazier
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-367-XXXXX
Couple of questions.
Why don’t ALL CPK locations offer gluten free pizza?
Why can’t I, living in Canada, order electronic gift cards?
Hello My name is Jessica, I’m not sure if this is the correct department,but maybe you can help me up.
I used to work for C.P.K. Baltimore M.D. Down Town years ago and I’m having a little issue with the I.R.S so please I need contact the right department to request a copy of my w-2 from 2007.
please if you can direct me to the right people I’ll be appreciate.
my E.mail is justme.gallardo at gmail.com and my phone number (410) 497-XXXXX.
thank you.
I work at a school near the Scottsdale and Shea location, a bunch of the teachers wanted to enjoy CPk for lunch today. I placed the order for all of us, and everyone wanted to pay seperate. The person taking my order said this was not a problem.
I have to say, when I picked up the food, I was takes care of a girl named “Lisa” whom was certainly efficient, but was very unfriendly. She did her job like a robot, with no personality. When she gave me my food, she simply walked away to the other side of the restaurant. I wasn’t sure if I was done, she never said good bye, thank you, do you need anything else?
I wasn’t sure we were done, but had to assume we were.
I had a ton of food to carry out to my car, bags and bags and drink cup holder, and fumbled to try to get it all.
Another server came out as I was exiting, offered if I needed help, being there was so much.
I feel that this is not the customer service your company would hopefully be wanting to handle customers.
Just thought I would share my thoughts.
We as a group order in every Friday, and their are many choices around us, that value our patronage.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact me at
480-332-****
Ked
7/18/2024
To whom it may concern:
I have had a few poor experiences in a row with your restaurant located in the Mall at Millenia on Conroy. Each time I had one or more of my children with me, and I wasn’t sure if there was a correlation, but after today I am convinced there is. Let me start by describing my experience today to you.
I arrived at the restaurant at about 12:15 with my 5 year old son. We were seated right away. However, the greeter led us to a far corner, right next to the kitchen galley doors, where during the course of our time there, there was a constant stream of bus boys walking past with tubs of dirty dishes. Not the most appetizing of environments. I began to look around the restaurant and noticed empty tables in better locations throughout the restaurant. People that arrived after us were seated in them. None of them had kids. Looking around further, I noticed the only customers seated in a less desirable place than my son and I were was another mom with two children, seated right next to the bathrooms.
Our server came and took our drink order, and returned about 5 minutes later to take our food order, which I placed: a thai chicken pizza for me, a cheese pizza and a side of fruit for my son. We waited for our food for 40 minutes. In that time, I had finished my tea, and our server did not check on us once in that time frame. When he brought the food out, he noticed my empty glass and brought me another one. He did not return for another long stretch, when I then asked for boxes. My glass was empty again but the server apparently did not notice this as I was never offered or brought another refill. I received my boxes and check. During the wait for those things, I noticed who I assumed to be a manager walking around asking various tables how everything was. I was fully prepared to express myself in the restaurant to the manager, but she never came to my table. We paid and left. I declared to nobody in particular on the way out, since no one seemed to care how our experience was, that we were never, ever returning.
I have some suggestions on how you could improve your restaurant. I am not sure whether you train your greeters to marginalize families with children, or if animosity towards young families is a prerequisite for being hired, or if you believe that other customers don’t want to be in the same vicinity as families with small kids, but clearly one of aforementioned must be true. I would suggest then that you remove your extensive and seemingly welcoming child’s menu from the restaurant. Offering a multi-page paper menu with crayons and activities, with several food offerings, gives the impression that you welcome children when that is in stark contrast to how you treat families with children. I would also suggest you rethink the placement of your restaurant. It’s in a mall. Where moms shop. With their kids. And you serve pizza. It would seem that this would be a perfect match for a ready-made customer base but my experience has shown that this particular restaurant (I can’t speak to the whole chain) is not desirous of those kinds of customers.
Please be assured that if losing my business was your goal, you have achieved it. I will also make sure to tell all my friends who have small children to not burden you with their company.
Sincerely,
Jessica Eggleston
…we are very shocked & disappointed with your “B” restaurant inspection grading. When CPK on Park Avenue, NYC, cleans up their kitchen and the people working in it and we see the restaurant restored to its “A” status, my family and friends will consider returning. Bee
about a week ago i e mailed a note to anyone in regards to the survey procedure.
its been brought to my attention that all the surveys i’ve done do not make it to the cpk visited. if for any reason these surveys are not forwarded i would like to hear about it. i do not think its fair to both the cpk visited and the employee (s) but to the guest that takes the time to do the survey. if all of the surveys are not forwarded then why is so much emphasis put one these surveys. it’s unfair to everyone.
thank you,
Albert Corrow