California Pizza Kitchen Offering 25,000 Free Pizzas During National Pizza Month as “Apology” for Long Lost Fan Favorites

Restaurant invites fans to accept an “Apology Pizza” for not bringing back top requested pizzas, with promise of a true return to menu in 2027

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the iconic restaurant brand that revolutionized pizza, is making amends with its fan base this National Pizza Month for failing to bring back all the beloved pizzas from its past menus. Responding to years of guest requests and social comments clamoring for the comeback of pizzas like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Shrimp Scampi, or Pear and Gorgonzola – the brand is humorously offering a two-part appeasement to its guests. First, up to 25,000 so-called “Apology Pizzas” will be available to claim through the end of the month, followed by a promise to bring one fan-favorite pizza back to the menu in 2027.

"We take full responsibility for the unforgettable pizzas that fans have loved and lost," said Chef Paul Pszybylski, Vice President of Culinary Innovation at California Pizza Kitchen. "But this National Pizza Month, we're making it right – with 25,000 free pizzas now, one returning pizza next year, and zero regrets about how seriously we’re taking this. So yeah, we’re sorry, but also you’re welcome."

To demonstrate the complete seriousness of its remorse, the brand has gone as far as hiring a CFO (Chief Forgiveness Officer) to record a special video message to guests, posted to CPK’s social channels today.

The “Apology Pizza”
Starting today, fans can claim their free pizza by simply commenting “Apology Accepted” on CPK’s Instagram (@cpk), TikTok (@calpizzakitchen) or Facebook (@cpk) in-feed social posts and videos. CPK will immediately respond with a direct message and redemption code valid for one free 7” pizza with any $20 online purchase. Up to 25,000 codes are available through October 31 while supplies last, and pizzas can be redeemed through November 10.

Throughout the month, CPK will post multiple apology-accepting opportunities on its social channels, so fans should follow closely for their chance to participate.

2027 Bring Back
In addition to the show of good faith during National Pizza Month, the brand is also gearing up to welcome a top fan-favorite pizza back to the menu in 2027. CPK executives will be monitoring social channels to identify the most cherished pizza of its past.

“We’ll be listening even more closely this month,” said Dawn Keller, Chief Marketing Officer at CPK. “We invite all guests to speak up through comments or their own posts – your voice could decide the destiny of CPK pizza fans nationwide.”

For more information, please visit www.cpk.com/apologypizza.

The “Apology Pizza” offer is available from October 1 through October 31, 2026, and redeemable through November 10 at participating CPK locations. Valid for one 7” free pizza of select varieties (The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, Pepperoni, Margherita, Wild Mushroom and Hawaiian) with a minimum net purchase of $20 on CPK.com or the CPK app (excluding tax, gratuity, delivery fee and alcohol).

About California Pizza Kitchen
Founded in 1985, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) revolutionized casual dining with its first restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, introducing the world to innovative, California-inspired pizza at scale. Recently celebrating its 40th anniversary year, CPK today is a beloved global brand, serving creative California cuisine in restaurants spanning 25 U.S. states along with nine countries and U.S. territories. Additionally, the CPK brand has been a premium leader in the U.S. frozen pizza grocery aisle for more than 25 years while also expanding to branded salad dressings and noodle sauces. Today, CPK continues to innovate and expand in casual dining, retail products, and non-traditional food service channels, providing more access to its fresh, imaginative twist on familiar foods that consumers continue to crave.