COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 27, 2025--
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the iconic restaurant brand that revolutionized casual dining with its twist on familiar foods, is marking 40 years of culinary delights with an epic celebration that’s full of surprises. From fan-favorite dishes making a glorious return to an upgraded Thank You Card promotion that rewards every guest, CPK is ushering in its next era with a little help from former employee, superfan and actor Busy Philipps.
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Former hostess Busy Philipps helps CPK turn a mid-life crisis into a celebration as the brand turns 40. (Image credit: Matt Reyes, Iris)
Relatable Take on Turning 40
Earlier this week, CPK feigned a mid-life crisis ahead of turning 40, debuting “new branding” across all digital channels. Inspired by streetwear fashion and culture to stay fresh with today’s consumers, the holistic but fake brand was brought to life through preposterous videos, graphics, and images, leaving everyone wondering what was truly going on. Today, thanks to Philipps – a perfect partner and brand fan – CPK revealed its true perspective, “We’re 40 & Fine with It!” Through this mockumentary style video, Philipps leads the brand to embrace this milestone and keep doing what they’ve always done best: combining fresh, innovative cuisine with a California-cool vibe.
“I’ve been a huge fan of CPK ever since I worked there as a hostess back in the day, so of course I was thrilled to help them celebrate this incredible anniversary,” said actor Busy Philipps. “My job was to remind CPK that at 40 years old, there’s no need for reinvention. Their legacy and continued leadership of creating incredible flavors and lasting memories is exactly what will keep people of all ages loving the brand for many years to come.”
New Seasonal Menu – Decades in the Making
Now fully embracing 40 delicious years and counting, CPK is also bringing back a limited-time menu of some of its most iconic dishes from the past four decades. These items were hand selected by CPK guests, team members, Executive Chef Paul Pszybylski, and even CPK’s founders, Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Now through May 19, guests can enjoy these classic flavors, whether to relive cherished memories or discover new favorites:
Thank You Card Promotion — Rewarding Every CPK Guest with More Prizes & Surprises
CPK’s most popular promotion returns better than ever, this time to thank guests for 40 years. Now through May 11, every adult guest – whether dining in restaurant or for takeout or delivery – receives a Thank You Card containing a hidden prize to be revealed at their next visit. From CPK meal discounts to gift cards at major brands and cash prizes up to $40,000, every guest is a winner. New to the program this year, CPK is offering a digital second chance to win. By scanning the QR code on their card, guests can join CPK rewards to score an instant $5 bonus and a chance to win a five-day cruise getaway.
From March 2 through June 8, guests can visit any full-service CPK location with their unopened Thank You Card to have their prize revealed by a restaurant manager. It’s an easy and exciting way to join the anniversary celebration! For more information on the Thank You Card program, visit www.cpk.com/thankyou/2025.
A 40 Year Legacy of Fan-Favorite Innovation & Flavor
CPK has spent 40 years as a trendsetter in casual dining, repeatedly giving guests of all ages craveable dishes that are fresh, flavorful and often unexpected. As the brand looks ahead, it remains committed to its innovation mastery, delivering an unmatched dining experience that continues to offer globally inspired creations reflecting California’s vibrant culinary landscape.
“The CPK future is brighter than ever,” says Jeff Warne, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at California Pizza Kitchen. “Today we celebrate our 40 year legacy thanks to the loyalty and passion of our guests, and the incredible dedication of our teams. With the strength of this lasting foundation, our ambitions have never been bigger and we are committed to serving up another epic 40 years for generations of guests.”
For more information, visit www.cpk.com and follow @ cpk on Instagram, @ calpizzakitchen on TikTok or @ calpizzakitchen on X.
About California Pizza Kitchen
Founded in 1985, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) revolutionized casual dining with its first restaurant in Beverly Hills, introducing the world to gourmet, California-inspired pizza. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, CPK is a beloved global brand, serving creative California cuisine across 27 states and in nine countries and U.S. territories. CPK continues to redefine casual dining, fueled by a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold global flavors. From iconic hearth-baked pizzas like The Original BBQ Chicken and California Club, to inventive salads like Thai Crunch, unique pastas like Chicken Tequila Fettuccine, and industry firsts like Cauliflower Crust and Take & Bake Pizzas, CPK combines familiar foods with a fresh, imaginative California twist that guests continue to crave.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING A PRIZE. Must be or become a CPK Rewards member prior to entering Sweepstakes. Open only to legal residents of the states where California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) restaurants operate within the contiguous US and Hawaii, who are 18 or older, and who either live or work within a 25-mile radius of a participating CPK restaurant. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. Promotion begins on 3/1/25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 6/8/25. See Rules for eligible states, how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions at participating CPK restaurants or online at cpk.com/thankyou. Sponsor: California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., 575 Anton Blvd., Suite 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
CPK fake rebrand "Devour the Doubters" launched nationally on March 24. (Image credit: Matt Reyes, Iris)
