California Pizza Kitchen opens in Encinitas

With a “first slice” ceremony and ribbon cutting on Nov. 18, California Pizza Kitchen marked its return to North County San Diego after previously serving the community for over 30 years in Solana Beach.

After shuttering its Highway 101 location last year, CPK has reopened with a new restaurant a few miles away in Encinitas’ Encinitas Village Square, offering its familiar menu of signature pizzas, salads and handcrafted cocktails.

“It’s great to be back!” said Jeff Warne, chairman and CEO of California Pizza Kitchen, in a news release. “Our opening of CPK Encinitas is not just another new restaurant, it’s a re-commitment to the vibrant North County community that supported us for 30 years, has eagerly awaited our return, and shares our passion for creativity, connection and California living.”

The new restaurant took over the 4,000-square-foot space in the plaza that was formerly Corner Bakery Cafe. The new location features large garage doors that connect its indoor and outdoor spaces, including a centerpiece full-service bar and a spacious outdoor patio. According to the news release, the interiors are meant to reflect the laid-back coastal character of the community with its warm wood tones, the colorful and contemporary patterns on the walls and booths, and plenty of surf-themed art.

As part of the opening celebration, CPK partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to help fight hunger across the region. With a fundraiser on Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25, CPK will donate 20% of food and beverage sales from all four San Diego CPK locations.

The pizza with a purpose “reflects CPK’s long-standing commitment to supporting local communities and ensuring that every meal served contributes to something meaningful,” the news release stated.

CPK Encinitas is located at 1476 Encinitas Boulevard. Phone: (442) 357-1170.