California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the creator of California style pizza, is tossing pizza to the side during National Pizza Month in favor of spotlighting its extensive array of non-pizza menu items. Any guest who skips ordering pizza and instead chooses to order a CPK salad, pasta, entrée, or the new “West Coast Burger” will be rewarded with a complimentary seven-inch pizza that can be redeemed on their next visit. Essentially, CPK is giving guests a free pizza for not ordering pizza.

The month-long "boycott" is a lighthearted jab at the heavy attention pizza receives on CPK’s menu. More than 65% of CPK sales come from non-pizza menu items and the boycott is an opportunity to showcase the brand’s menu diversity. From inventive salads, pastas, and main plates to crave-worthy desserts and hand-crafted cocktails, CPK’s menu has something for every guest and occasion.

“We love our California inspired pizza, and it will always be our first priority,” said Scott Hargrove, EVP and chief marketing officer at CPK. “But we’re boycotting pizza this month because we know our non-pizza menu items don’t always get the same attention. We want guests to explore our menu and try something new. Whether it’s an original CPK salad like the Thai Crunch, an unexpected pasta pairing like our Kung Pao Spaghetti, or a fresh take on a traditional comfort food like our new ‘West Coast Burger,’ there is so much menu creativity to explore.”

Adding to the variety of non-pizza menu options, CPK is launching a burger for the first time in its 35+ year history. Following a highly successful test market run, the new “West Coast Burger” will roll out across all CPK company-owned locations on October 4th. The burger features an elevated beef blend of Wagyu, Chuck and Brisket, and is topped with melted cheese, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, tomato, pickles, lettuce, and house-made burger sauce on a brioche bun.

To receive a complimentary seven-inch pizza when not ordering pizza during National Pizza Month, guests must be registered as a CPK Rewards member. To become a CPK Rewards member, guests can download the CPK Rewards app for iOS and Android to earn and redeem rewards, order online, and enjoy pizza perks all year long.

Source: California Pizza Kitchen