After More Than 30 Years In Business, California Pizza Kitchen Ending Run In San Diego's Solana Beach

April 8, 2024

The California Pizza Kitchen location in San Diego's North County city of Solana Beach has announced it will soon permanently close after a three decade run. 

The nearly oceanfront location of California Pizza Kitchen, sited within the Beachwalk Shopping Center
in Solana Beach, CA, will close after end of service on Sunday, April 14. The restaurant first opened in summer 1992 and was one of the first to receive an updated design. This location became one of the many establishments across California that contributed to the brand's early growth and popularity.

Founded in Beverly Hills, CA, in 1985 by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, California Pizza Kitchen restaurant was inspired by a love for innovative pizzas with fresh, creative toppings, reflecting the culinary diversity of California. In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the concept experienced significant growth, expanding its presence across California and then nationwide. Throughout its history, California Pizza Kitchen has undergone several ownership changes. In 2011, CPK was acquired by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.

California Pizza Kitchen emerged out of bankruptcy on November 23, 2020, after declining sales during the pandemic nearly destroyed the once-thriving restaurant chain. Earlier this year, the company made news when it unexpectedly closed a popular location at Fountains at Roseville Mall in Roseville, CA. Based on Costa Mesa, CA, the chain still has over 130 locations across the U.S., including more than 50 branches in California alone, as well as almost 30 outposts sited internationally. 

In addition to the Solana Beach branch, there are additional San Diego-based locations of California Pizza Kitchen located in San Diego International Airport, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Fashion Valley mall in Mission Valley, and Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista. There was also a location within North County Mall in Escondido, but that restaurant closed down this past January. 

Replacing CPK Solana Beach is Lana, an incoming bar & restaurant specializing in California coastal cuisine. Lana will be owned and operated by longtime restaurant General Manager and Level 2 Sommelier Mark Wheadon and Travis LeGrand, who has worked locally at The Marine Room, and Waypoint Public, among others. Lana is expected to open in February 2025. 

California Pizza Kitchen will continue to operate under normal hours until end of service on April 14 at 437 South Highway 101 in San Diego's North County city of Solana Beach. For more information, visit cpk.com/locations/california-pizza-kitchen-solana-beach.