California Pizza Kitchen Becomes First National Restaurant Brand to Offer Chickpea Crust Pizza

Guests can now enjoy each of their CPK pizza favorites with the added health benefits of a veggie-based, gluten-free, lower carb, high in protein and fiber chickpea crust

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) - creator of California-style pizza - today announced the introduction of Chickpea Pizza Crust, adding yet another “pizza first” to their long list of category innovations. The California-based brand is also the inventor of the iconic Original BBQ Chicken Pizza in 1985, and was the first national casual dining restaurant to offer GIG-validated Gluten-Free Crust in 2013 and Cauliflower Pizza Crust in 2018. CPK’s new Chickpea Pizza Crust is lower in carbs than their Original Hand-Tossed, is high in protein and fiber, gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, making it the perfect option for gluten sensitive guests or anyone looking for CPK pizza taste with added health benefits.

The new veggie-based crust will be available in select restaurants in the Southern California and Florida markets for guests to order as the base for any CPK pizza, making it an easy way to add protein and fiber to their meal, and cut down on carbs – or, simply, to enjoy an entirely new pizza experience. Made with premium chickpeas, chia seeds and a touch of honey, CPK’s Chickpea Pizza Crust is the latest creation from CPK that will satisfy not only the core guest, but also those that are more health and diet focused.

“Chickpea Crust represents the very best of CPK culinary - first to market, creative, and most importantly, the product brings new health benefits while maintaining the incredible California inspired pizza taste our guests love,” says CPK CEO Jim Hyatt. “We have incredible business momentum following a challenging pandemic year and Chickpea Crust is another example of how we are moving CPK forward.”

As demand for veggie-based food and alternatives continues to rise, CPK has put an enhanced focus on expanding its creative, California-inspired roster of veggie-based options, including Cauliflower Pizza Crust, the recently launched Plant-Based BBQ Chicken Pizza and now, Chickpea Pizza Crust. With this introduction, guests can now choose from four crusts, including Original Hand-Tossed, Crispy Thin, Cauliflower, and Chickpea, satisfying any palette.

“At CPK, we’ve always been proud to answer the question ‘what’s next?’ for our guests, before they ask. We did it with gluten-free crust, then with Cauliflower Pizza Crust, and now we’re thrilled to innovate once again with the introduction of Chickpea Pizza Crust,” said SVP of Culinary Innovation, Brian Sullivan. “We’re excited to finally share what we’ve been working on, and to continue bringing bold and creative culinary ideas to our guests.”

CPK’s Chickpea Pizza Crust will be available in Southern California in the following locations: Huntington Beach, Lakewood, Long Beach Marketplace, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Rainbow Harbor (Long Beach), Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, and Santa Monica. It will also be available throughout Florida, including: Boca Raton, Coconut Point, Fort Lauderdale, International Plaza (Tampa), Millenia Mall (Orlando), Naples, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Lakes Mall, Sarasota, Sawgrass Mills, Waterford Lakes, and Wellington Green.

To learn more about CPK’s full menu and to check the availability of items in your area, please visit www.cpk.com/menu/.

About California Pizza Kitchen

In 1985, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened its first restaurant in Beverly Hills and introduced diners to innovative California-style pizza. With a passion for combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with flavor inspirations from around the world, today CPK is a global brand serving creative California cuisine in over 200 restaurants in 8 countries and U.S. territories. From signature, hand-tossed pizzas and high-quality main plates to inventive better-for-you options, Lunch Duos, premium wines, and handcrafted beverages, CPK adds an imaginative twist to create a memorable dining experience. For more information, visit cpk.com. Chat with us on Twitter at @calpizzakitchen, Instagram at @cpk, and Facebook at facebook.com/californiapizzakitchen. Download the CPK Rewards® app for iOS and Android to earn & redeem delicious rewards, order online, and enjoy exclusive pizza perks all year long.