California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the iconic restaurant brand that revolutionized casual dining with its unique and creative spin on classic dishes, is celebrating four decades of culinary innovation and delicious memories. As it reaches this significant milestone, CPK is making it clear that it is embracing its 40th anniversary with a fresh perspective rather than a reinvention. The brand is turning what could be considered a mid-life crisis into a moment of joy, nostalgia, and exciting new experiences for its loyal guests.
To mark the occasion, CPK is pulling out all the stops with an extravagant celebration featuring the return of fan-favorite dishes, an enhanced Thank You Card promotion that guarantees every guest a special reward, and a humorous marketing campaign starring actor and CPK superfan Busy Philipps. The celebration is a testament to CPK’s commitment to its rich history while continuing to evolve with a modern flair.
A Relatable Take on Turning 40
Earlier this week, CPK playfully teased a “mid-life crisis” ahead of its 40th birthday by unveiling a bold new branding direction across all digital channels. This tongue-in-cheek campaign featured a reimagined brand identity heavily influenced by streetwear fashion and contemporary design, complete with exaggerated promotional videos, striking graphics, and over-the-top images. This unexpected shift left customers and fans puzzled, sparking curiosity about whether the brand was genuinely undergoing a transformation.
However, in a delightful twist, CPK soon revealed the truth: there was no crisis at all. Instead, the brand is proudly declaring, “We’re 40 & Fine with It!” The revelation came through a mockumentary-style video led by actor Busy Philipps, who perfectly embodies the brand’s fun-loving and carefree spirit. As a longtime fan of CPK and a former hostess at one of its locations, Philipps was the ideal partner to help guide the brand through its milestone moment.
“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 Philipps. “My job was to remind CPK that at 40 years old, there’s no need for reinvention. Their legacy and continued leadership in creating incredible flavors and lasting memories is exactly what will keep people of all ages loving the brand for many years to come.”
A Nostalgic Return: The New Seasonal Menu
Embracing its rich history, CPK is bringing back some of its most beloved dishes from the past four decades for a limited time. This exclusive seasonal menu is a curated selection of iconic flavors chosen by CPK guests, team members, Executive Chef Paul Pszybylski, and even the brand’s founders, Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Now through May 19, guests have the rare opportunity to revisit these classic dishes or experience them for the first time:
- Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza (Founders’ Pick) – A zesty lemon cream sauce base topped with grilled chicken, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, finished with fresh rosemary and wild Greek oregano. A true original!
- Chicken Milanese (Chef Paul’s Pick) – A crispy, panko-crusted chicken breast served with fresh arugula and housemade checca, finished with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon. For an added twist, guests can opt for Chef Paul’s version with a rich tomato basil sauce.
- Waldorf Chicken Salad (Team Members’ Pick) – A refreshing combination of field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, and Gorgonzola, tossed in either Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing.
- Tortilla Spring Rolls (Guests’ Pick) – Hand-rolled flour tortillas filled with a choice of Baja Chicken, Thai Chicken, or Mediterranean ingredients, baked to perfection in CPK’s signature pizza oven.
The Upgraded Thank You Card Promotion
As part of its 40th-anniversary festivities, CPK is reintroducing its popular Thank You Card promotion—this time with even more prizes and surprises. Designed to show appreciation for the guests who have supported the brand over the years, this program guarantees that every adult diner will receive a special reward. From now through May 11, every guest who dines in, orders takeout, or opts for delivery will receive a Thank You Card with a hidden prize, redeemable on their next visit.
Prizes range from discounts on future CPK meals to gift cards from major brands and even cash rewards of up to $40,000. To add an extra layer of excitement, CPK is offering a digital second-chance opportunity: by scanning the QR code on their card, guests can sign up for CPK Rewards and instantly earn a $5 bonus while also entering for a chance to win a luxurious five-day cruise getaway.
Guests can bring their unopened Thank You Card to any full-service CPK location between March 2 and June 8 to have their prize revealed by a restaurant manager. This initiative makes it easier than ever to be part of the anniversary celebration while also offering a fun and rewarding experience.
For more details on the Thank You Card program,
A Legacy of Innovation and Flavor
Since its inception in 1985, CPK has set the standard for innovative, California-inspired cuisine, earning a loyal following of guests who crave bold, fresh flavors. Over the past four decades, the brand has introduced numerous groundbreaking menu items that have become industry staples, cementing its reputation as a leader in the casual dining space.
As it looks ahead to the future, CPK remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity while staying true to its core values of quality, innovation, and hospitality. The brand’s continued success is a testament to the passion and dedication of its team members, as well as the unwavering support of its customers.
“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.”
Looking Forward to the Next 40 Years
CPK’s 40th-anniversary celebration is more than just a look back at its storied past—it’s a bold declaration that the best is yet to come. With exciting menu offerings, rewarding promotions, and a fresh yet familiar brand identity, CPK is proving that turning 40 isn’t a crisis—it’s an opportunity to celebrate everything that has made the brand a beloved dining destination for decades.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the CPK experience, there’s never been a better time to visit and be part of the celebration. With mouthwatering dishes, exciting prizes, and a commitment to excellence, CPK is ready to serve up another 40 years of innovation, flavor, and unforgettable dining experiences.
