California Pizza Kitchen marks its entry into Canada with Edmonton
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has announced the official opening of its Edmonton, Alberta location, marking the brand’s entry into Canada.
The opening is part of the brand’s latest efforts to strategically expand into target markets across North America as new operators join its franchise model. Located on Windemere Boulevard, the new restaurant will open to the public on August 1st.
CPK Alberta CEO Naheed Shariff, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant franchising industry, and his mother Samira, a CPK Edmonton franchisee with four decades of experience, are fueling the expansion . Together, Naheed and Samira have helped grow successful brands in the Alberta region and are excited to bring California Pizza Kitchen to Edmonton.
“We first discovered California Pizza Kitchen in the mid-1990s and were immediately inspired by its culture and innovation. We are honored and excited to bring this iconic, forward-thinking brand to Canada for the first time, while simultaneously crediting with job creation here in Alberta,” said Naheed. “CPK provides a fun, healthy, alternative experience that customers crave, and we’re excited to give Edmonton residents a taste of that. The brand’s innovative California cuisine, combined with the caring culture of the people, really cemented the deal.
The new location will offer customers seasonal menus and ingredients inspired by flavors from around the world, resulting in CPK’s program of handcrafted pizzas, pastas, desserts and beverages, including Casamigos cocktails . According to a press release, CPK is known for its “handcrafted, innovative and fresh menu” and offers a “refreshing experience that offers diners its signature California look, feel and taste.”
As part of its efforts to give back to the community it serves, California Pizza Kitchen Edmonton has partnered with the Cross Cancer Institute to help raise funds for Alberta residents battling cancer.
“The Shariffs are well known and highly respected throughout Edmonton, and we are absolutely thrilled to partner with them as they lead California Pizza Kitchen in Canada for the first time,” said Giorgio Minardi, Executive Vice President of Operations. worldwide and franchises. “This significant milestone for our brand is a testament to the innovative business model we have created and will further propel our franchise growth efforts globally. We are proud to welcome such experienced operators as Naheed and Samira and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them as they bring our signature California-inspired cuisine to Edmonton residents.
The press release states that California Pizza Kitchen offers franchisees flexibility with customizable menus, design layouts and multiple time slot offerings so that
each location can individually align with consumer needs and thrive within their market. These key factors, along with an average unit volume of between $3 million and $5 million, have positioned the brand as an “attractive investment for experienced multi-unit franchisees”. “California Pizza Kitchen prioritizes meeting the needs of franchisees, providing them with the necessary tools and resources, including expanding mobile technology and capabilities for each location, best-in-class training, and developing in all areas of the business,” the statement said. .
California Pizza Kitchen is aggressively expanding into markets across the United States and is looking to add experienced and qualified multi-unit franchisees to grow the brand. To learn more about franchise development opportunities and markets available with California Pizza Kitchen, visit www.cpk.com/franchise.
