California Pizza Kitchen Says New Frozen Menu Items in Development

For the first time in nearly three decades, California Pizza Kitchen is expanding its frozen food lineup beyond pizza, introducing appetizers and entrees inspired by its restaurant menu. 

The products are currently in the early stages of culinary development and are expected to arrive in grocery stores by early 2027, the Costa Mesa-based casual dining chain announced this week.   

Under its new owners, the chain is expanding its retail business into international markets. 

It recently launched the retail business in Taiwan last year and is preparing to enter Japan in the coming months.  

Its frozen pizzas will be distributed in Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean later this quarter through its partnership with Nestlé. 

The fast-casual pizza chain found a new home in December with an investor group led by Consortium Brand Partners and included Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands and Convive Brands. Convive’s Jon Weber took over as chief executive of CPK.   

“Expanding CPK’s global licensing business was a major part of our investment strategy,” Consortium’s Founder and Managing Partner Cory M. Baker said in a statement. “We see significant opportunities to leverage CPK’s brand equity and cultural relevance to introduce innovative products that meet consumers wherever they shop or dine.”  

Updated March 9 at 4:12 p.m.