California Pizza Kitchen To Celebrate New Location With First Slice Ceremony, Ribbon-Cutting Event

ENCINITAS, CA — California Pizza Kitchen is celebrating its return to San Diego's North County.

The casual dining restaurant chain, which offers signature, hand-tossed pizzas, high-quality main plates and handcrafted beverages, is hosting a first slice ceremony and ribbon-cutting event Wednesday at California Pizza Kitchen Encinitas.

The new eatery in Encinitas Village Square marks California Pizza Kitchen's return to the area after the company closed its Solana Beach location in 2024. The grand opening event will give customers a chance to experience the restaurant's indoor-outdoor design, full-service bar and signature California-inspired menu.

"We identified a gap in the market, and when an opportunity arose for a quick and seamless conversion, it proved to be the perfect space and location for us in Encinitas," a spokesperson told Patch. "We loved our Solana Beach location and have been eager to return to the North County community."

The event will also highlight California Pizza Kitchen's partnership with the San Diego Food Bank to fight hunger across the region. the chain will donate 20% of food and beverage sales on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 from all four San Diego area locations, including the new Encinitas restaurant, when customers present a flyer at the time of purchase.

The first slice and ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. California Pizza Kitchen Encinitas is located at 1476 Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.