Celebrating 40 Years of Flavor: California Pizza Kitchen's Epic Anniversary Bash!
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the renowned restaurant brand that transformed casual dining with its unique take on familiar dishes, is celebrating 40 years of culinary excellence with an exciting anniversary celebration filled with surprises. Fans can look forward to the return of beloved dishes alongside an enhanced Thank You Card promotion that rewards every guest. CPK is stepping into its next chapter with the help of former employee, superfan, and actress Busy Philipps.
Embracing the Big 4-0
This week, CPK playfully hinted at a mid-life crisis in anticipation of its 40th birthday by unveiling “new branding” across its digital platforms. Drawing inspiration from streetwear and contemporary culture, this playful yet fictitious brand was showcased through humorous videos and graphics, sparking curiosity among fans. With Philipps on board—an ideal partner and brand enthusiast—CPK has now revealed its authentic message: “We’re 40 & Fine with It!” In a mockumentary-style video, Philipps encourages the brand to celebrate this milestone while continuing to do what it does best: blending fresh, innovative cuisine with a laid-back California vibe.
“I’ve been a huge fan of CPK ever since I worked there as a hostess back in the day, so I was excited to help them celebrate this incredible anniversary,” said Busy Philipps. “There’s no need for reinvention at 40 years old. Their legacy of creating amazing flavors and lasting memories will keep people of all ages loving the brand for many years to come.”
A Nostalgic Seasonal Menu
As CPK fully embraces its 40-year legacy, it is also reintroducing a limited-time menu featuring some of its most iconic dishes from the past four decades. These selections were carefully chosen by CPK guests, team members, Executive Chef Paul Pszybylski, and the founders, Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Available through May 19, these classic flavors offer a chance for guests to relive cherished memories or discover new favorites:
Founders’ Pick: Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza – A classic pizza topped with zesty lemon cream sauce, grilled chicken, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, finished with fresh rosemary and wild Greek oregano.
Chef Paul’s Pick: Chicken Milanese – Crispy panko-crusted chicken breast served with fresh arugula and house-made checca, topped with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon. For a twist, try it with a rich tomato basil sauce.
Team Members’ Pick: Waldorf Chicken Salad – A refreshing salad featuring field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, and Gorgonzola, dressed with your choice of Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing.
Guests’ Pick: Tortilla Spring Rolls – Hand-rolled flour tortillas filled with your choice of Baja Chicken, Thai Chicken, or Mediterranean, baked to perfection in CPK's signature pizza oven.
Exciting Thank You Card Promotion
To express gratitude for 40 years of support, CPK is bringing back its popular Thank You Card promotion, now enhanced for this anniversary celebration. Running through May 11, every adult guest dining in or ordering takeout or delivery will receive a Thank You Card containing a hidden prize to be unveiled at their next visit. Prizes range from meal discounts and gift cards to cash prizes up to $40,000. This year, guests can also take advantage of a digital second chance to win by scanning the QR code on their card to join CPK Rewards for 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 reveal their prize with the help of a restaurant manager. It’s a fun and simple way to partake in the anniversary festivities! For more details on the Thank You Card program, visit www.cpk.com/thankyou/2025.
A Legacy of Innovation and Flavor
For 40 years, CPK has led the way in casual dining, consistently offering guests of all ages craveable dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and often surprising. As the brand looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its tradition of innovation, delivering an unparalleled dining experience that continues to reflect California's vibrant culinary landscape.
“The future of CPK 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 this strong foundation, our ambitions have never been greater, 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.