california pizza kitchen

Atlanta — Quick-service chicken restaurant chain Church’s Texas Chicken® has hired Natalia Franco as executive vice president, global chief marketing officer role on March 6, bringing more than 30 years of executive leadership experience to the brand. In her new role, Franco is responsible for providing a strategic vision for the brand and creatively leading marketing ideation, brand execution and digital prowess across the organization to drive brand awareness and positioning, resulting in continued growth and stronger franchise relationships. “I’m thrilled to join this iconic brand as it continues on …

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Costa Mesa, Calif. — California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the creator of California-style pizza, has opened a new franchise location at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The opening marks the brand’s second location within the airport as CPK continues to expand across U.S. markets. Located within Terminal 6 at LAX, the new restaurant is owned and operated by Greg Plummer, CEO and managing partner of Concord Collective, a minority-owned airport concession operator. “We are thrilled to partner with Concord Collective to provide a fresh, healthy, alternative dining option for the most …

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Greenwood Village, Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. has named G.J. Hart as the company’s new president and chief executive officer, effective September 6, 2022. A member of the Red Robin board since August 2019, Hart will continue to serve as a member of the board in addition to his roles as CEO and president. Hart will succeed Paul Murphy, current president and CEO, who recently informed the Red Robin Board of directors that he intends to retire at the end of 2022 when his employment agreement expires. Murphy …

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Costa Mesa, Calif. — California Pizza Kitchen has signed two new international franchise agreements and plans to open seven international restaurants and two airport locations by year-end. These milestones follow the brand’s development momentum last year that included the launch of its domestic franchise program in December 2021. Recently signed international deals include agreements in Costa Rica and Chile, bringing the brand’s locations to approximately 50 overseas restaurants. Additionally, new locations are set to open in India; Chile; Costa Rica; Alberta, Canada; as well as in the Santiago, Chile, and …

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Los Angeles — California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has appointed Judd Tirnauer as executive vice president and chief financial officer. With over 25 years of experience mainly in the restaurant and retail business, including over 10 years in the CFO role, Tirnauer will lead CPK’s financial restructuring strategy, focus on growth opportunities and oversee the accounting and finance teams. “CPK is proud to welcome Judd to the team,” says Jim Hyatt, CEO of CPK. “With his proven track record in finance with both public and private equity brands, we are confident …

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Los Angeles — California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has successfully completed its financial restructuring process and emerged from Chapter 11. CPK completed a debt-for-equity transaction and now has a substantially reduced debt load and increased liquidity. Upon emergence, the company eliminated more than $220 million of existing funded debt from its capital structure. The company had filed for bankruptcy in July 2020 with plans to close 200 stores. CPK completed its restructuring with the full support of its creditors and previous equity holders. Looking ahead, the company is focused on expanding …

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Playa Vista, Calif. — California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is the latest fast-casual restaurant chain to file for bankruptcy protection due to strain brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on July 30, 2020 in order to “close unprofitable locations, reduce its long term debt load and quickly emerge from bankruptcy as a much stronger company,” according to the filing. The Playa Vista, Calif.-based company did not release a list detailing which …

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Los Angeles — California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has appointed Scott Hargrove as executive vice president and global chief marketing officer. Since joining CPK earlier this year, Hargrove is leading marketing and growth efforts of the 240+ unit worldwide restaurant brand including brand and performance marketing, culinary innovation, social media, loyalty, communications and community engagement. Along with recent strategic team additions in data insights and digital, Hargrove’s role will be instrumental in delivering a new era of guest experience at CPK, driving growth through amplified brand building and digital-based marketing that …

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