California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) hopes to jumpstart its domestic franchising efforts through refranchising, allowing multiunit restaurant operators to purchase existing CPK locations in select U.S. markets.
Refranchising refers to the selling or conversion of company-owned locations to existing or new franchisees. The model relieves franchisors of the overhead costs of operating a company-owned location while earning royalties from the franchisees. Refranchising also requires lower capital expenditures for upfront development of a new location.
CPK, credited with inventing California-style pizza, began franchising in December 2021 after exiting bankruptcy in late 2020. The company has a total of 180 locations in 10 countries and U.S territories, with an increased focus on high-traffic areas like airports, casinos and stadiums.
Related: CPK cofounder launches Roman-style pizzeria in L.A.
“We’re tremendously proud of the progress we’ve seen with our franchise program, and we’re eager to continue expanding our reach and to introduce CPK to more diners nationwide,” said Giorgio Minardi, executive vice president of global development and franchise operations at California Pizza Kitchen, in a press release. “As part of this next phase of growth and development, we’re looking forward to partnering with experienced multi-unit restaurant operators that share our same commitment to excellence, innovation and customer service that has fueled CPK’s growth since its inception in 1985.”
CPI said it “provides franchisees flexibility with customizable menus, design layouts and multiple daypart offerings so that each location can individually align with its consumer needs and thrive within their market.”
For more information about CPK franchise development opportunities and available markets, click here.
