USA: CPK adds ASAP concept to excitement of South Coast Plaza

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPKI) announced today that it will open its first Orange County CPKASAP on October 27th on the third level of the Crate and Barrel/Macy's home wing of South Coast Plaza. "Our first two CPKASAP units in shopping centers opened in the San Francisco Bay area this summer and are extremely popular with shoppers and mall employees. They expect to find a quick burger when they are out shopping, but are surprised and delighted to find the CPK signature pizzas including the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza," said Fred Hipp, President and CEO of California Pizza Kitchen. The "grab & go" concept for people eating on the run will have seating for 35 and a patio to enjoy outdoor dining for 64. The CPKASAP menu features CPK menu items: imaginative pizzas, crisp salads, unique soups and savory sandwiches. Hector Gomez has been named general manager of the South Coast Plaza CPKASAP and he will have a staff of 35. CPKASAP was developed in 1996 to offer the hearth-baked pizzas, salads, soups and sandwiches to air travelers. There are now 24 CPKASAP locations throughout the U.S., primarily in airports. California Pizza Kitchen Inc. operates, licenses, or franchises 108 restaurants, of which 77 are company-owned and 31 operate under franchise or license arrangement. CPKASAP restaurants feature our signature line of innovative premium pizzas, including our original best sellers, the BBQ Chicken Pizza and the Thai Chicken Pizza and salads including the original chopped salad.