California Pizza Kitchen to grow footprint in Nevada, Utah
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is expanding its presence in the western United States through its first major domestic franchise deal.
The California-based pizza restaurant has reached its first multi-unit franchise partnership agreement with Sundine LLC, a multi-unit restaurant operator. 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.
CPK says the deal is part of its domestic expansion strategy, which focuses on partnering with a "select group of experienced operators" in key markets who will be granted exclusive rights to develop new locations in determined territories, as well as future brand extensions.
"This is a significant moment in CPK’s growth strategy as we officially welcome our first major partner in the domestic business,” said Michael Beacham, president of CPK. "Aligning with top-tier operators like Sundine, in key markets outside of California, is not just about building new restaurants – it’s about ensuring the continued long-term equity of our brand and quality of our guest experience. With Sunrise’s expertise and personal passion for CPK, they will certainly set the bar high for future partnerships."
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Sundine operates more than 85 restaurant and retail units across well-known brands, such as Del Taco and Jack in the Box.
In addition to Nevada and Utah, CPK says it is actively engaged with potential partners for markets such as Florida, the Mid-Atlantic region and along the East Coast. The company aims to select three to four qualified partners per year for franchising, in tandem with growing company-owned locations.
“We are honored to become true partners with California Pizza Kitchen,” said Sanjiv Bhagat, franchise partner and CEO of Sundine. “Our family has been loyally dining at CPK for as long as I can remember, and as restaurant owners, we are fully confident in the continued growth of this brand.”
Founded in 1985, CPK operates nearly 200 restaurants worldwide, including in 27 U.S. states.
