Type: Private
On the web: http://www.cpk.com
Employees: 14,000
Employee growth: (4.1%)

This company's cookeries are putting a West Coast twist on an old favorite. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) operates a chain of about 265 casual-dining restaurants that specialize in gourmet pizzas featuring unique topping combinations, including duck, barbecued chicken, and grilled shrimp. The chain also serves Neapolitan pizzas from Italy, as well as American-style pies. CPK rounds out its menu with pastas, soups, salads, and desserts. The restaurants are found in more than 30 states and about a dozen other countries; more than 200 of the locations are company-owned. Private equity firm Golden Gate Capital acquired CPK in 2011.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2010:
Sales: $642.2M
One year growth: (3.4%)
Net income: ($0.4)M

Officers:
Chairman, President, and CEO: G. J. Hart
CFO: Carey Carrington
Chief Development Officer: Clint Coleman

Competitors:
Cheesecake Factory
Chipotle
P.F. Chang's

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