Company
Overview

About California Pizza Kitchen

http://www.cpk.com
Restaurants
3691 Employees
Type: Company - Privately Held
Costa Mesa, CA
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers a vibrant and welcoming dining experience, blending fresh ingredients with classic Italian flavors. Known for its delicious pizzas, salads, and pastas, CPK prides itself on a menu that emphasizes healthy eating with a fun twist. The company values creativity and innovation, ensuring each meal brings a unique and satisfying taste. CPK creates a warm and friendly environment, making it a favorite spot for both casual dining and special occasions. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, CPK sources ingredients from local farms whenever possible. This dedication not only supports the community but also ensures that diners enjoy fresh and flavorful dishes. CPK values each team member's contribution, fostering a positive workplace where everyone can thrive. By combining delicious food with an exceptional work culture, CPK attracts talent that shares its passion for excellence.

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What are people saying about working at California Pizza Kitchen?

Employees at California Pizza Kitchen appreciate the positive work culture, flexible scheduling, and friendly coworkers but often face challenges with management and some operational inefficiencies. Despite these issues, many still value the opportunities for growth and decent pay. The overall environment is often praised, though concerns about management and work conditions are frequently mentioned.

California Pizza Kitchen Reviews

Great coworkers and flexible scheduling in a fast-paced job

08/23/2026 - Skokie, IL


Pros

Friendly coworkers, flexible scheduling, employee discount, and a fast-paced work environment.


Cons

I don’t have any I loved it so much

Strong team culture, but pay and management are uncertain

08/16/2026 - Plymouth Meeting, PA


Pros

+ Great team and culture+ Decent upwards mobility+ Good training materials


Cons

- Some uncertainty with new management changing guard- Somehow low pay due to fast casual nature and menu prices, but standards are good for someone trying to get their start in the industry

Great culture but occasional night disturbances

07/24/2026 - Las Vegas, NV


Pros

Great culture and amazing team to work with


Cons

Sometimes those crazy drunk folks would come in at night. Needed security

All around solid experience.

07/23/2026 - Hollywood, CA


Pros

All around solid company uplifting team with an organized teamwork dynamic. There was never a day I dreaded seeing my coworkers or managers here I’ve worked at a couple different Cpk’s always had a good experience. On top of that, you can make great tips as a server. I always felt like everybody had my back. Management is held to high standards. HR is well established creating an even playing field.


Cons

Unfortunately, the Hollywood location shut down:( but luckily, there’s plenty of other CPK locations.

Lack of training and no time off available

07/16/2026 - Phoenix, AZ


Pros

None at all - no time off at all


Cons

Absolutely no training or onboarding. Perpetually understaffed

Great culture but busy and fast-paced environment

07/16/2026 - null


Pros

It was a great place to work when I worked there. The company culture was unmatched.


Cons

Busy and fast-paced environment due to the mall being nearby

Flexible schedule but management issues

06/30/2026 - null


Pros

Flexible schedule, discounts, room for moving up


Cons

Petty managers, forced to upsell take home pizzas

Decent pay and nice coworkers, but tough customers

06/23/2026 - Mission Viejo, CA


Pros

Decent money, coworkers are nice


Cons

Tough customers who are set in their ways

Well managed with effective training, but limited hours

06/12/2026 - San Diego, CA


Pros

Well managed, quick and effective training


Cons

Not always availability for more hours

Many hours available, but it's fast-paced

06/09/2026 - Ann Arbor, MI


Pros

There are many hours to be made


Cons

This is a fast paced position.

Good tips and location, but management struggles

06/03/2026 - Atlanta, GA


Pros

Tips sometimes were good, location is cool


Cons

Management is not the best and work culture is divided

Incredible work environment with great hours

06/03/2026 - Deer Park, IL


Pros

Amazing work enviornment! Very good hours!


Cons

No cons! Genuienly enjoyed every moment!

Flexible schedule and high pay, but chaotic environment

05/24/2026 - Oakbrook Terrace, IL


Pros

Flexible schedule and high hourly pay


Cons

Disorganized and stressful environment at times

Great vibes and food, but high employee turnover

05/21/2026 - null


Pros

Great vibes and yummy food.


Cons

lots of overturn with employees

Interesting people in a clean mall, but low pay

05/20/2026 - Paramus, NJ


Pros

In a safe area. some interesting people. Clean mall.


Cons

Terrible Pay. Rude costumers. Some bad managers.



Page 1
Pie chart of the distribution of reviews for California Pizza Kitchen. 3.4% of reviews are 'Neutral'. 6.8% of reviews are 'Negative'. 56.2% of reviews are 'Mixed'. 33.5% of reviews are 'Positive'.

What are popular careers at California Pizza Kitchen?

  1. Server
    Servers work directly with customers to ensure their dining experience is enjoyable. They take orders, serve food and drinks, and answer questions about the menu.
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  2. Host
    Hosts greet guests when they arrive at the restaurant. They manage reservations, seat customers, and often provide information about the restaurant's offerings.
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  3. Cook
    Cooks prepare a variety of dishes and meals. They work in a fast-paced kitchen environment and must follow recipes and food safety guidelines closely.
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  4. Line Cook
    Line cooks specialize in preparing specific types of food, such as pizzas or pastas. They work efficiently to meet the restaurant’s demands during peak hours.
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  5. Dishwasher
    Dishwasher positions involve cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This role is crucial to maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment.
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  6. Busser
    Bussers clear tables after customers have left and reset them for new guests. They help keep the dining area tidy and welcoming.
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  7. Bartender
    Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They interact with customers and must know a wide range of drinks and mixing techniques.
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  8. General Manager
    General managers oversee the entire operation of the restaurant. They manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle day-to-day business operations.
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  9. Analyst
    Analyst roles may involve studying sales data, customer feedback, and operational efficiency. They provide insights to improve the restaurant's performance.
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  10. Restaurant Shift Leader
    Shift leaders assist the general manager by managing staff during their shift. They ensure smooth operation and often handle customer issues or complaints.
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Where is California Pizza Kitchen hiring?

  1. Honolulu, HI
    Working in Honolulu means enjoying a vibrant and unique work environment. The city offers a laid-back atmosphere with stunning views and a warm climate.
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  2. Ann Arbor, MI
    In Ann Arbor, the work setting is both vibrant and academic. The city’s rich culture and friendly community make it a great place to work and grow.
    Find jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  3. Kapolei, HI
    Kapolei provides a modern and tranquil work setting. The area boasts beautiful landscapes and a growing business community.
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  4. Irvine, CA
    Irvine offers a dynamic and family-friendly work environment. The city's well-planned spaces and good schools make it attractive for professionals.
    Find jobs in Irvine, CA


  5. Kailua, HI
    Kailua combines a serene and picturesque work environment with a lively social scene. The area’s natural beauty enhances the work experience.
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  6. Santa Clara, CA
    Santa Clara provides a fast-paced and innovative work atmosphere. The tech-savvy environment is ideal for professionals in the tech and creative sectors.
    Find jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  7. ‘Aiea, HI
    ‘Aiea offers a relaxed and community-oriented work setting. The area’s close-knit community and beautiful surroundings create a pleasant work environment.
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  8. Long Beach, CA
    Long Beach provides a coastal and vibrant work atmosphere. The city’s rich maritime history and sunny weather contribute to a lively work environment.
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  9. San Francisco, CA
    San Francisco offers a dynamic and culturally rich work setting. The city's iconic landmarks and diverse community make it an exciting place to work.
    Find jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Atlanta, GA
    Atlanta provides a fast-paced and business-friendly work environment. The city’s growing economy and vibrant social scene offer many opportunities for professionals.
    Find jobs in Atlanta, GA

What are similar companies to California Pizza Kitchen?

  1. California Tortilla
    California Tortilla is a popular chain known for its customizable burritos and tacos. They emphasize fresh ingredients and offer a variety of toppings. This fast-casual dining brand operates in numerous locations across the United States, particularly in California, Texas, and the Midwest.


  2. Pizza My Heart
    Pizza My Heart provides delicious pizza with a focus on family fun and creativity. They offer a wide selection of pizza toppings and styles, making it a favorite for many families. The company has several locations throughout the U.S., especially in the Midwest and Southern states.


  3. Blaze Pizza
    Blaze Pizza has gained a reputation for its fast-fired pizzas made to order. They focus on quality ingredients and offer a variety of custom pizza options. Blaze Pizza has multiple locations across the United States, particularly in California, Texas, and the Northeastern states.


  4. Papa Murphy's
    Papa Murphy's allows customers to take and bake pizzas at home. They offer a range of pizza options and a unique, customizable experience. This company operates in many locations throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally.


  5. Jet's Pizza
    Jet's Pizza is known for its delicious pizzas and friendly service. They offer a variety of pizza options and are famous for their pepperoni. Jet's Pizza has several locations across the United States, primarily in Michigan and neighboring states.


  6. Sbarro
    Sbarro is a well-known pizza chain with a global presence. They offer a wide variety of pizza options and other Italian dishes. Sbarro operates numerous locations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and various international markets.


  7. Pizza Ranch
    Pizza Ranch offers a variety of pizzas, subs, and salads in a family-friendly environment. They are known for their fun atmosphere and delicious food. Pizza Ranch has several locations primarily in the Midwest and Southern states of the U.S.


  8. Round Table Pizza
    Round Table Pizza is a popular pizza chain known for its wide selection of pizzas and fun games. They offer a range of classic and unique pizza options. Round Table Pizza has numerous locations across the United States, especially in California and the Midwest.


  9. MOD Pizza
    MOD Pizza provides customizable pizzas in a fast-casual setting. They offer a variety of toppings and focus on quality ingredients. MOD Pizza has multiple locations throughout the United States, particularly on the West Coast and in several Midwestern states.


  10. Pieology Pizzeria
    Pieology Pizzeria allows customers to create their own pizzas with a variety of toppings. They focus on customization and quality. This chain operates in multiple locations throughout the United States and internationally, including Canada and the United Kingdom.

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