CALIFORNIA – California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) announced November 11, that they were starting a US franchising program.

The new program may be a strategic move to drive growth and stability amid widespread restaurant closures.

“For the first time in the brand’s history, CPK is franchising select U.S. markets, both new and existing, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate revenue and unit growth,” said CPK in a statement.

Potential franchise partners in Florida, Mid-Atlantic region and East Coast

CPK has reached its first partnership agreement under this program with Sundine LLC, a multi-unit operator in the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant space.

Under the new agreement, Sundine will acquire three CPK locations in its home market of Las Vegas, with plans to open six additional units across both Nevada and Utah over the next several years.

Besides Nevada and Utah, CPK is in talks with potential franchise partners for areas like Florida, the Mid-Atlantic, the East Coast, and other regions.

The company plans to choose three to four new franchise partners each year, while also opening more of its own locations, to meet its growth goals in the U.S.

CPK closed one CA location in 2024

Founded in 1985, CPK operates 120 restaurants in the US, including 58 in California.

The company closed one location in Roseville, California earlier this year.