California Pizza Kitchen
Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data
Researching California Pizza Kitchen franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.
- Franchising since
- 2022 Source: franchiseverdict.com
California Pizza Kitchen franchise revolutionized casual dining with its innovative gourmet pizzas and California-inspired cuisine, operating locations across t
Headline figures
California Pizza Kitchen quick facts
- Is California Pizza Kitchen a franchise?
- Yes. California Pizza Kitchen offers franchises through a Franchise Disclosure Document. At the end of 2025, it reported 14 franchised and 107 company-owned outlets (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 50).
- How much does it cost to open a California Pizza Kitchen franchise?
- The California Pizza Kitchen Franchise Disclosure Document reports separate estimated initial investments by format: $1,582,000–$5,377,500 for new restaurant — total (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 17); $715,000–$4,617,500 for conversion only (conversion restaurant — total) (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 19); $1,125,000–$4,177,500 for nontraditional — total (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 22); $28,000–$275,000 for development one-to-ten — total (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 25). These formats are not combined. Each is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
- What is the California Pizza Kitchen initial franchise fee?
- The disclosed initial franchise fee for a standard single unit is $50,000 (2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 11). Other fee options (for example multi-unit or conversion) are listed separately in the report. Details
- What ongoing fees does California Pizza Kitchen charge?
- The disclosed ongoing royalty is 5% (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 12). The brand or advertising fund contribution is 1% (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 12). Other recurring fees are listed in Item 6. Details
- Does California Pizza Kitchen disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- No. The reviewed California Pizza Kitchen FDD states that it does not make a financial performance representation in Item 19. Details
- How many California Pizza Kitchen locations are there?
- The FDD reports 121 outlets at the end of 2025 (2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 50). Existing locations do not indicate territory availability. Details
- Is California Pizza Kitchen a good franchise to buy?
- Franopolis does not rate or recommend franchises. From the reviewed FDD: Item 19 makes no financial performance representation, so ask current owners about results; Item 20 lists outlet openings, closures and transfers; Item 6 includes a brand or advertising fund contribution on top of royalty; Item 20 also lists current and former franchisees you can contact. Review the full FDD with a franchise attorney and accountant before deciding.
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
What the disclosures show
- 1The 2026 FDD (Item 7) estimates opening costs separately by format: $1,582,000 – $5,377,500 (New restaurant — Total); $715,000 – $4,617,500 (Conversion restaurant — Total); $1,125,000 – $4,177,500 (Nontraditional — Total); $28,000 – $275,000 (Development one-to-ten — Total); several initial fee options apply.
- 2The franchisor makes no financial performance representation in Item 19.
- 3Outlets declined by 10 in 2025, to 121 (United States includingGuam, as labeled in the FDD, Item 20).
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
California Pizza Kitchen head-to-head
Closest peers in the same subcategory, side by side from reviewed FDD figures. Not a ranking or recommendation.
Costs · Items 5–7
What does it cost to open?
Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.
Startup Investment — Item 7
Range across 4 single-unit formats
2026 FDD · Item 7
Formats disclosed in Item 7 (4)
Each format has its own total. The total depends on the format you choose.
- Development one-to-tenPDF p. 25$28,000 – $275,000
- Conversion restaurantPDF p. 19$715,000 – $4,617,500
- NontraditionalPDF p. 22$1,125,000 – $4,177,500
- New restaurantPDF p. 17$1,582,000 – $5,377,500
Standard single-unit franchise fee
2026 FDD · Item 5 · PDF p. 11
Discounted and multi-unit options are separate; see all fees.
Ongoing Fees — Item 6
Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.
- RoyaltyMain ongoing fee
18 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.
Financial Performance — Item 19
What results are disclosed—and for which locations?
No financial performance representation in Item 19
The reviewed 2026 FDD for California Pizza Kitchen has no Item 19 figures on record. Franopolis does not estimate revenue or earnings in their place; ask the franchisor and current owners what unit-level information they can share.
Outlet Changes — Item 20
How has the outlet count changed?
United States includingGuam, as labeled in the FDD · counts as of 2025 of each year.
2026 FDD · Item 20 · PDF p. 50
Net −27 outlets, 2023–2025
Year-end counts reported in Item 20. The scale starts at zero; the labels between the dots show each year's change. Openings and closures for 2025 haven't been pulled from the Item 20 tables yet, so no turnover or churn is shown.
Questions to investigate
Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.
For the franchisor
Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($28,000 – $5,377,500) vary most by market, and why?
Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?
California Pizza Kitchen reports no financial performance figures in Item 19. What information can you share about unit-level results?
Reported units decreased from 131 to 121 in 2025. What drove the change?
Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?
For current and former owners
How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?
How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?
What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?
For your advisors
Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.
Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.
Sources & vintage history
Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.
Citations (2026 FDD)
- [1]Standard initial franchise fee — Item 5 · PDF p. 11
- [2]Outlet counts — Item 20, Table 1 · PDF p. 50
"PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page. Source document: FDD
Territory & operations
14 addresses in Franopolis's imported location list. Coverage may differ from Item 20 outlet counts.
These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.
Legal & agreement
Franchisor financial statements
| Fiscal year | Measure | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | other receivablesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $95,374 |
| 2025 | prepaid expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $34,329 |
| 2025 | franchise receivables | $450,589 |
| 2025 | current assets cash | $1,808,671 |
| 2025 | total current assets | $2,439,864 |
| 2025 | franchise rights, net | $1,278,258 |
| 2025 | contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $59,385 |
| 2025 | current liabilities accounts payable | $28,489 |
| 2025 | taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $710,442 |
| 2025 | accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $199,424 |
| 2025 | deferred franchise fee revenue, current | $56,602 |
| 2025 | total current liabilities | $994,957 |
These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.
SBA-backed loans to franchisees
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Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.
Related research
Brands in the same subcategory first, then the wider industry, ordered by shared business format, overlapping investment range, Item 20 outlet count and search interest. This is not a ranking or recommendation.
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Golden Corral
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Pizza RanchHead-to-head comparisons
At a glance
Business history
Not reviewed
Owner participation
Not reviewed
Territory language
Litigation disclosure
Not reviewed
Bankruptcy disclosure
Not reviewed
Agreement term
Not reviewed
Reader notes on wording
Our automated check found that these summaries may not match the FDD's exact wording. Read the FDD excerpt itself; it is the authoritative text. Core cost, fee, Item 19 and outlet figures are not affected.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2023 — netchange
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2025 — end
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2023 — start
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2024 — start
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2025 — start
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2024 — netchange
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2023 — netchange
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2025 — start
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2023 — start
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2024 — end
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2025 — netchange
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2024 — end
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2024 — start
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2025 — end
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2023 — end
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2024 — netchange
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Franchised 2025 — netchange
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Item 20 · PDF p. 50 · 2026 FDD
Our summary: Table1 Companyoperated 2023 — end
“Franchised Outlets 2023 15 15 0 2024 15 12 -3 2025 12 14 +2 Company-Operated Outlets 2023 146 133 -13 2024 133 119 -14 2025 119 107 -12 Total Outlets 2023 161 148 -13 2024 148 131 -17 2025 131 121 -10 * As of our fiscal year end.”
Note: Item 20 state- or ownership-specific row; only national/systemwide Total rows are eligible for verification.
Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.
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