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California Pizza Kitchen — A Gen Z Career Flavor Worth Savoring

1. Company Snapshot

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a pioneering casual dining chain, founded in Beverly Hills in 1985. Known for its innovative California-style pizzas, like the iconic BBQ Chicken Pizza, CPK blends creativity with comfort. The brand now includes over 180 locations across 32 U.S. states and internationally, along with a strong presence in consumer-packaged goods (frozen pizzas) and franchising growth.

2. Culture & Gen Z Alignment

CPK’s company culture revolves around its “R.O.C.K.S.” philosophy - Respect, Opportunities, Culture, Knowledge, and Service - a nod to its 35+ years of creating a supportive, dynamic work environment.

Employee insights reinforce that CPK delivers a supportive, team-driven atmosphere with flexible hours, especially valued in fast-paced service roles.

3. Departments & Career Pathways

Opportunities at CPK span across core restaurant roles to leadership tracks:

• Front-of-House Roles: Servers, Hosts/Hostesses, Bartenders
• Kitchen & Back-of-House: Line Cooks, Pantry Prep, Dishwashers, Kitchen Managers
• Leadership & Corporate: Restaurant Managers, General Managers, Controllers, IT, Payroll, HR, Systems Administrators

CPK invests in employee development with leadership programs and recognized career pathways.

4. Employee Experience: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Employee ratings: 3.5/5 overall, with 3.5 work‑life balance, 3.4 culture & values, 3.8 DEI Glassdoor
• Many note the friendly staff, fun team vibes, and a generally positive work atmosphere

Cons

• Some concerns around promotions, organizational structure, and workload fairness during busy shifts

5. Salary & Compensation Insights

Hourly / Entry-Level Roles (Glassdoor):

• Server: ~$22–$38/hr
• Hostess/Host: ~$14–$18/hr
• General Manager: ~$31–$42/hr
• Bartender: ~$25–$44/hr

Salaried Roles (ZipRecruiter):

• Kitchen Manager: $68,866/year ($33.11/hr)
• Restaurant Manager: $50,000/year ($24.04/hr)
• Line Cook: $38,238/year ($18.38/hr)
• Pizza Chef/Pantry Cook: $36K–37K ($17/hr)
• Dishwashers/Prep Cooks: $33K ($15.88–15.89/hr)

Corporate & Executive Salaries:

• Controller and Senior Systems Administrator roles command six-figure pay (up to ~$189K/year)
• Comparably cites an average employee income of ~$126K/year, including bonuses

6. Why CPK Is Gen Z Friendly

• Creative & Iconic Brand: Known for innovation and cultural influence, gen Z values originality and legacy.
• Team-Centric & Inclusive: Flexible schedules and supportive peers reflect Gen Z’s desire for authenticity and community.
• Growth & Learning: Pathways from entry-level to management or corporate roles appeal to Gen Z’s value on development.
• Hybrid Opportunity Base: Combines food-service roles with broader business functions, perfect for multi-skilled Gen Z professionals.

Ready to Explore?

Hungry to kick off a career at a brand that balances creativity, culture, and growth? Explore CPK job openings on GenZJobs.com

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