Busy Philipps helps California Pizza Kitchen turn 40, recalls high school hostess job
Busy Philipps helps California Pizza Kitchen turn 40, recalls high school hostess job The actress, who worked at CPK as a teen, told USA TODAY: 'I've been stalking California Pizza Kitchen for years, trying to see if they're ever going to do any kind of campaign.'
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Busy Philipps and California Pizza Kitchen make perfect combination
Busy Philipps knows what it means to embrace your 40s with confidence and pizza, partnering with California Pizza Kitchen for their 40th anniversary.
California Pizza Kitchen is turning 40 and an actress who's shared a "lifelong partnership" with the restaurant chain is helping the brand come to terms with its age.
Busy Philipps, known as Kim Kelly in the 1990s drama series "Freaks and Geeks" and Karen in the 2004 comedy "White Chicks," is California Pizza Kitchen's spokesperson for the brand's 40th anniversary. Philipps began working as a hostess at California Pizza Kitchen in Arizona in high school − around 16 or 17 − and has had a soft spot for the chain ever since her younger years growing up in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale.
"I've been stalking California Pizza Kitchen for years, trying to see if they're ever going to do any kind of campaign − 'Can I be a part of it because I love them so much?'" Philipps told USA TODAY.
California Pizza Kitchen's 40th anniversary campaign launched on Monday, when the chain began posting rebranded content, featuring dark colors, a chrome palm tree and the tagline: "Fresh. To. Death." In a promotional video shared on Thursday, the 45-year-old Philipps comes in to "save" the California Pizza Kitchen from its rebrand disaster and remind the chain that it's OK to be 40. The campaign also features a new seasonal menu − full of CPK classics.
Here's what to know about California Pizza Kitchen's 40th anniversary menu and promotions.
What items are returning to the California Pizza Kitchen menu?
Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza: Lemon cream sauce, grilled cheese, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary and oregano
Lemon cream sauce, grilled cheese, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary and oregano Chicken Milanese: Panko-crusted chicken breast served with arugula and checca (uncooked tomato sauce), finished with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon
Panko-crusted chicken breast served with arugula and checca (uncooked tomato sauce), finished with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon Waldorf Chicken Salad: Field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, gorgonzola, tossed in Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing
Field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, gorgonzola, tossed in Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing Tortilla Spring Rolls: Flour tortillas stuffed with Baja Chicken, Thai Chicken or Mediterranean, baked in a pizza oven
When will the seasonal menu be available?
The California Pizza Kitchen seasonal menu is available Thursday through May 19.
Dine in, take out or order in and redeem a prize
Between Thursday and May 11, adult customers who dine in or order takeout or delivery may receive a promotional Thank You Card. Each card contains a prize, ranging from California Pizza Kitchen discounts, retail gift cards and cash prizes.
Cards can be opened at any full-service California Pizza Kitchen website by a restaurant manager through June 8.
Customers may also join California Pizza Kitchen Rewards for a $5 bonus and a chance to win a cruise getaway prize.
Where is your nearest California Pizza Kitchen?
Check where the nearest California Pizza Kitchen is to you on the CPK website at cpk.com/locations/directory.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
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