CPK Signs with First U.S. Franchise Partner

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has signed its first partnership deal with a U.S.-based franchise group, Sundine LLC, marking the activation of its new domestic franchising program.  

This is the first time CPK, ranked No. 8 among Orange County’s largest restaurant chains by sales, will be franchising in U.S. markets as the Costa Mesa-based pizza chain looks to accelerate the growth of its current 140-store count.  

Sundine, based in Las Vegas, will acquire three CPK locations in its home market. The franchise agreement includes plans to open six additional restaurants across both Nevada and Utah over the next several years. 

The operator also runs more than 85 restaurants and retail stores such as Del Taco and Jack in the Box.  

“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,” President Michael Beacham said in a statement.  

CPK aims to add three to four new franchise partners per year along with opening its standard company-owned restaurants. The company said it is “actively engaged with potential partners for markets such as Florida, the Mid-Atlantic region and along the East Coast.”