California Pizza Kitchen, once known for bringing gourmet pizzas to the masses, has gone through major changes since its early success. Founded in Beverly Hills in 1985, the restaurant became famous for its creative menu, including the now-iconic BBQ Chicken Pizza. For many families, it was a go-to spot for dinner outings and celebrations.
But by late 2025, the chain had cut its number of U.S. restaurants in half, down to about 120 locations. That’s a steep drop from 240 in 2020, and it means thousands of restaurant workers have lost their jobs. The closures have not only affected employees but also the communities that once depended on the restaurants as neighborhood gathering places.
Under new ownership, California Pizza Kitchen (often called CPK) is trying to rebuild its business in a changing dining market, one that looks very different from the booming restaurant scene of the past.
The Cost of Closures
Since 2020, roughly 3,000 jobs have disappeared because of the closures. Each location typically employed between 25 and 50 people, servers, cooks, managers, and hosts, meaning the impact has been felt widely. For many families, the sudden layoffs reduced household incomes and disrupted livelihoods.
In the towns and cities where CPK shut its doors, the effects rippled through local economies. Streets grew quieter, nearby stores saw fewer customers, and overall spending dropped. Some former employees found work at rival restaurants or in gig jobs, but many struggled to find steady employment.
The cutbacks highlight how fragile mid-range restaurant chains can be. External pressures, from changing consumer habits to rising costs, exposed weaknesses even in brands that once seemed stable.
Pandemic and Pressure
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to the restaurant industry, and CPK was no exception. With dine-in service halted during lockdowns, the company declared bankruptcy in 2020 while operating nearly 240 U.S. restaurants. Takeout and delivery helped somewhat, but they couldn’t make up for lost sales or growing debts.
When restaurants reopened, CPK faced new challenges. Supply chain issues made ingredients more expensive, and it was hard to hire enough staff. Competitors like Domino’s and Chili’s adapted more quickly, drawing customers with lower prices and promotions. Even after restructuring, California Pizza Kitchen had slimmer profit margins, and many locations couldn’t recover.
By 2025, half of its U.S. restaurants were gone. The losses hit California hardest, where dozens of familiar storefronts closed. For many neighborhoods, those spots had been community anchors—places where people gathered after work or before a movie. Losing them not only meant fewer dining options but also fewer jobs and less local tax revenue.
Some airports introduced small vending machines selling CPK-branded pizzas, but they couldn’t replace the experience of dining in. These closures showed how deeply a big restaurant chain’s troubles can affect everyday life far beyond its own staff.
A New Chapter Under New Owners
Despite its reduced size, California Pizza Kitchen isn’t gone. After a period of lender control following bankruptcy, the brand was sold in December 2025 to a group of investors: Consortium Brand Partners, Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands, and Convive Brands, all backed by Bain Capital. Jon Weber, from Convive Brands, has stepped in as the new CEO.
The new leadership hopes to steady the company and set it up for growth. Early signs in 2025 were encouraging, with same-store sales rising faster than many competitors. The brand’s revival plan involves expanding its U.S. franchising system, adding vending machines in airports, and bringing more prepared meals, like frozen pizzas and salads, to grocery store shelves.
CPK still operates in 10 countries, and the company hopes to appeal to travelers and health-conscious customers in new ways. But experts warn that success will depend on careful execution. While vending machines and retail products may offer revenue opportunities, they are untested compared to the traditional restaurant model.
The challenge for California Pizza Kitchen now is to adapt without losing what made it special. As dining habits continue to shift toward convenience and affordability, the company must prove it can compete while keeping its signature California spirit. For customers and employees alike, the next few years will reveal whether this once-trendsetting chain can bake up a true comeback, or become another casualty of a rapidly changing restaurant landscape.
Sources:
Restaurant Dive – California Pizza Kitchen sells itself, Dec. 2025.
Restaurant Dive – The 6 biggest casual chain bankruptcies since the COVID, Mar. 2025.
Nation’s Restaurant News – California Pizza Kitchen files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Jul. 2020.
Restaurant Business Online – California Pizza Kitchen declares bankruptcy, Jul. 2020.
Business Wire – Consortium Brand Partners to Acquire California Pizza Kitchen, Dec. 2025.
Restaurant Business Online – California Pizza Kitchen begins franchising in the U.S., Nov. 2024