On Monday, March 24th, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) marked its 40th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates not just survival but a thriving legacy dating back to 1985 when it was founded by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. What began as an audacious experiment in Beverly Hills—fusing California’s free-spirited ethos with pizza’s universal appeal—has blossomed into a global institution with nearly 200 restaurants.
To herald this occasion, CPK unleashed a publicity masterstroke that set social media alight, playfully feigning a midlife crisis with a streetwise, skateboarder-chic rebrand that had fans stupefied, snickering, and speculating. The fake-out—unfurled across digital channels with graphics, videos, and a tongue-in-cheek swagger—was revealed as a brilliant jest by brand ambassador and actor Busy Philipps, a former CPK employee not once, but twice—as a high-schooler and college student. In a mockumentary dropped three days later on March 27th, Philipps affirmed that CPK isn’t really shying away from its age; on the contrary, it’s embracing it with pride and an empowered acceptance—”We’re 40 and fine with it.” Confusion and disbelief softened into big smiles and hearty laughs as those who fell for the tease came to understand that it was a humorous and self-aware take on turning 40—an existential milestone many can wryly identify with.
Chief Marketing Officer Dawn Keller, just a year into her tenure, spearheaded the marketing campaign with ingenuity. “We wanted to do something fun, but different, and with humor, personality, and something that could engage,” she enthusiastically shared. “We hired the perfect partner, a former employee and actor, Busy Philipps, who revealed the rebranding was all a ruse.”
In an age where capturing attention drives the bottom line, CPK’s ploy not only seized the spotlight but reaffirmed its bond with a fiercely loyal consumer base, proving that at 40, it’s as relevant as ever. Beneath the clever theatrics lies a brand steadfastly true to its origins—accessible and affordable, yet elevated, and a haven for individuals, families, and friends.
At its helm is CEO and Chairman Jeff Warne, a longtime Nashville Tennessean whose unassuming warmth and down-to-earth approach make him quite the refreshing leader of a global enterprise. Drawn out of retirement to guide CPK, Warne is the first to admit that CPK’s trajectory and current state are the result of teamwork, with no contribution being too small. “When you think about a 40th anniversary, it’s pretty incredible to see this brand surviving and thriving,” he said delightedly. “Our Original BBQ Chicken Pizza is still our number-one seller; we take pride in our food, innovation, and in challenging Executive Chef Paul [Pszybylski]. We have an amazing team and guest space that has loved this brand for 40 years. We’re happy to celebrate and we’re excited about what’s next.” Indeed, Warne leads by example, reminding us that CPK will remain grounded and emboldened by its familiarity, trust, and smiles, even as new horizons are pursued.
Much of CPK’s ebullience can be traced to Pszybylski, the Vice President of Culinary Innovation, whose infectious grin and vivacity galvanize his kitchen and restaurant colleagues, ensuring that every dish feels uniquely personal. From dropping out of college at 20 to plying his craft in New Orleans’ French Quarter, his rise from line cook to visionary mirrors the restaurant chain’s own journey. Together, Warne, Keller, and Pszybylski blend heritage with fresh ideas and ingredients, none more crucial than humility and dutiful hospitality.
To celebrate four decades, CPK has revived fan-favorite dishes through May 19th. The Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza has returned, its earthy lightness crowned with rosemary and Greek oregano. The Chicken Milanese, a panko-crusted marvel, melts beneath a zesty tomato-basil sauce, while the Waldorf Chicken Salad weaves greens with sweet notes of grapes, apples, and candied walnuts. In addition, the Tortilla Spring Rolls—offered in Baja, Thai, or Mediterranean varieties—deliver pizza-like satisfaction in bite-sized form.
Daring newcomers dazzle too: the Burnt Ends BBQ Pizza deliciously melds smoked brisket with gouda and mozzarella, and the Braised Short Rib Ragu drapes pappardelle pasta around toothsome red meat in a Tuscan embrace. Starters like the savory-sweet Dynamite Shrimp and smoky Buffalo Cauliflower, which leaves a memorable kick in its wake, start things off with flair. For those seeking libations, CPK’s signature drinks quench like no other, some of which include the minty Sparkling Mojito, piquantly tart French Martini with Grey Goose Vodka, and the Strawberry Rosé Sangria with reinvigorating strawberries and lemon.
Dessert is hard, if not impossible, to resist, especially when you have a twist to the tried-and-true Butter Cake: the new Mini Butter Cake Flight, a trio of charming baked confections, one with dark chocolate and brownie crumbles, another woven with strawberry puree, and a third topped with smoked bacon and maple. Texturally satisfying, and akin to fluffy pillows to rest one’s palate on after a gratifying culinary trek, the flight is a perfect cap to a meal that celebrates the innovative CPK’s past and present.
At 40, California Pizza Kitchen is no relic but a luminary with many more stories to tell—its legacy forged in flavor with a reinforced purpose. This is a brand that feels like kin, its tables a gathering place for creative comfort food. With a wink and a grin, CPK proves its history isn’t a burden, but rather a vibrant example of a brand that knows, and cares to get to know, a customer base that sincerely appreciates the effort.
Cover image caption: Actor and former CPK employee Busy Philipps assuages any doubts about CPK’s recent off-target rebranding, ensuring that the restaurant chain will never abandon its roots. Image courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) and Matt Reyes, IRIS.
For more information about California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), visit cpk.com.
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