American casual dining restaurant chain California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has announced a new phase of expansion by launching its domestic franchising programme.
This initiative marks the first time CPK is offering franchising opportunities in certain US markets, aiming to accelerate both revenue and unit growth.
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The first partnership under this new scheme is with Sundine, a multi-unit operator in the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant industry.
Sundine has agreed to acquire three existing CPK locations in Las Vegas and plans to open an additional six units across Nevada and Utah in the coming years.
California Pizza Kitchen president Michael Beacham said: “This is a significant moment in CPK’s growth strategy as we officially welcome our first major partner in the domestic business.
“Aligning with top-tier operators like Sundine, in key markets outside of California, is not just about building new restaurants – it’s about ensuring the continued long-term equity of our brand and quality of our guest experience. With Sunrise’s expertise and personal passion for CPK, they will certainly set the bar high for future partnerships.”
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By GlobalDataThe CPK franchising programme is designed for experienced multi-unit and multi-brand operators, offering an opportunity to invest in a brand known for culinary creativity and appeal.
Sundine franchise partner and CEO Sanjiv Bhagat said: “We are honoured to become true partners with California Pizza Kitchen.
“Our family has been loyally dining at CPK for as long as I can remember, and as restaurant owners, we are fully confident in the continued growth of this brand.”
CPK’s franchising proposition provides partners with exclusive rights to expand the full-service dining concept domestically, including future brand extensions.
Franchisees will receive comprehensive support from CPK, encompassing advanced technology, marketing strategies, training programmes, and operational guidance.
The company is also pursuing potential partnerships for other key markets such as Florida, the Mid-Atlantic region, and the East Coast.
Intending to select three to four qualified partners annually, alongside growing its company-owned locations, CPK aims to achieve its ambitious domestic expansion targets.
In August 2024, CPK partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey to launch a new pizza variety, the Nashville-Style Hot Honey Pizza.
The dish combines the flavours of hot chicken and hot honey pizza, along with Mike’s Hot Honey – Extra Hot sauce.
