Franopolis
    CP

    California Pizza Kitchen

    Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data

    Researching California Pizza Kitchen franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.

    Reviewed sources
    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

    Quick facts

    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

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    What the disclosures show

    1. 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.
    2. 2The franchisor makes no financial performance representation in Item 19.
    3. 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.

    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

    0148202313120241212025−17−10

    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. [1]Standard initial franchise fee — Item 5 · PDF p. 11
    2. [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 yearMeasureReported value
    2025other receivablesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$95,374
    2025prepaid expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$34,329
    2025franchise receivables$450,589
    2025current assets cash$1,808,671
    2025total current assets$2,439,864
    2025franchise rights, net$1,278,258
    2025contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$59,385
    2025current liabilities accounts payable$28,489
    2025taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$710,442
    2025accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$199,424
    2025deferred franchise fee revenue, current$56,602
    2025total current liabilities$994,957
    2025long-term liabilities deferred franchise fee revenue, long-term$368,353
    2025due to parentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$642,634
    2025total long-term liabilities$1,010,987
    2025total liabilities$2,005,944
    2025member's equity$1,771,563
    2025total equity$1,771,563
    2025total liabilities and equity$3,777,507
    2025revenues royalty fees$3,313,220
    2025marketing fees$122,287
    2025franchise fees$34,302
    2025total revenues$3,469,809
    2025salaries, wages, and benefits$1,332,661
    2025amortization$625,908
    2025royalty and advertising expense$173,265
    2025loss on cancellation of franchise agreementsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$112,808
    2025income$500,723
    2025income tax-$478,179
    2025net income$22,544
    2025cash flows from operating activities net income$22,544
    2025loss on cancellation of franchise agreementsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$112,808
    2025deferred income taxes$26,450
    2025bad debt expense$103,533
    2025changes in operating assets and liabilities franchise receivables-$113,683
    2025other receivablesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$95,374
    2025prepaid expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$34,329
    2025contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$50,901
    2025due to parentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$313,143
    2025accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$39,738
    2025deferred franchise fees$268,199
    2025net cash provided by$1,653,748
    2025distribution to parent-$701,093
    2025net cash-$701,093
    2025net change in cash$952,655
    2025cash, end of year$1,808,671
    2025accounts payable$17,626
    2025cash, beginning of year$856,016
    2025adjustments to reconcile net income$625,908
    2025operating expenses general and administrative$724,444
    2025taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$316,284
    2025contract assets, current$50,901
    2025total operating expenses$2,969,086
    2025total assets$3,777,507
    2024contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$50,902
    2024franchise receivables$440,439
    2024current assets cash$856,016
    2024contract assets, current$50,901
    2024franchise rights, net$2,016,974
    2024contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$110,286
    2024taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$394,158
    2024accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$159,686
    2024total current liabilities$577,921
    2024long-term liabilities deferred franchise fee revenue, long-term$143,542
    2024due to parentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$329,491
    2024total long-term liabilities$473,033
    2024total liabilities$1,050,954
    2024equity common stock$10
    2024additional paid-in capital$6,148,772
    2024total liabilities and equity$3,501,066
    2024revenues royalty fees$3,536,155
    2024franchise fees$13,214
    2024operating expenses general and administrative$733,909
    2024salaries, wages, and benefits$1,161,917
    2024loss on cancellation of franchise agreementsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$765,981
    2024income$224,280
    2024income tax$166,819
    2024cash flows from operating activities net income$391,099
    2024deferred income taxes-$781,706
    2024changes in operating assets and liabilities franchise receivables$15,788
    2024accounts payable$10,613
    2024taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$340,654
    2024due to parentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$1,066,186
    2024accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$153,078
    2024deferred franchise fees-$13,214
    2024net cash provided by-$457,173
    2024net cash$288,264
    2024net change in cash-$168,909
    2024cash, beginning of year$1,024,925
    2024cash, end of year$856,016
    2024cash flows from financing activities contribution from parent$288,264
    2024total revenues$3,549,369
    2024net income$391,099
    2024accumulated deficit-$3,698,670
    2024adjustments to reconcile net income$663,282
    2024deferred tax assets, net$26,450
    2024deferred franchise fee revenue, current$13,214
    2024current liabilities accounts payable$10,863
    2024total current assets$1,347,356
    2024total assets$3,501,066
    2024total equity$2,450,112
    2024total operating expenses$3,325,089
    2024loss on cancellation of franchise agreementsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$765,981
    2024amortization$663,282
    2023contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$50,901
    2023current assets cash$1,024,925
    2023contract assets, current$50,901
    2023total current assets$1,532,053
    2023franchise rights, net$3,446,237
    2023total assets$5,139,478
    2023taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$734,812
    2023accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$312,764
    2023deferred franchise fee revenue, current$13,214
    2023total current liabilities$1,061,040
    2023deferred tax liabilities, net$755,256
    2023total long-term liabilities$2,307,689
    2023equity common stock$10
    2023additional paid-in capital$5,860,508
    2023accumulated deficit-$4,089,769
    2023total equity$1,770,749
    2023total liabilities and equity$5,139,478
    2023franchise fees$13,214
    2023total revenues$3,916,258
    2023operating expenses general and administrative$935,548
    2023salaries, wages, and benefits$389,409
    2023management fee$1,951,522
    2023amortization$838,530
    2023total operating expenses$4,580,658
    2023income-$664,400
    2023income tax$78,980
    2023net income-$585,420
    2023cash flows from operating activities net income-$585,420
    2023loss on cancellation of franchise agreementsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$465,649
    2023deferred income taxes-$235,581
    2023changes in operating assets and liabilities franchise receivables$90,706
    2023accounts payable$238
    2023taxes payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$156,601
    2023due to parentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$789,929
    2023deferred franchise fees$16,786
    2023distribution to parent-$1,175,569
    2023net cash-$1,175,569
    2023net change in cash$724,434
    2023cash, beginning of year$300,491
    2023cash, end of year$1,024,925
    2023franchise receivables$456,227
    2023revenues royalty fees$3,903,044
    2023net cash provided by$1,900,003
    2023contract assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$161,188
    2023current liabilities accounts payable$250
    2023due to parentMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,395,677
    2023total liabilities$3,368,729
    2023adjustments to reconcile net income$838,530
    2023long-term liabilities deferred franchise fee revenue, long-term$156,756
    2023accrued liabilitiesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$311,664
    2023loss on cancellation of franchise agreementsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$465,649

    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 and overlapping investment range. This is not a ranking or recommendation.

    The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.BWBuffalo Wild WingsEggs Up GrillElmer’s Breakfast*Lunch*DinnerIHOP and International House of Pancakes7 BREW

    Head-to-head comparisons

    California Pizza Kitchen vs The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.California Pizza Kitchen vs Buffalo Wild WingsCalifornia Pizza Kitchen vs Eggs Up Grill
    Compare reviewed facts

    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.