The Story Behind California Pizza Kitchen

How do two federal prosecutors end up creating one of the world's most successful pizza franchises? Before there was California Pizza Kitchen, Rick Rosenfield was prosecuting organized crime figures, hijackers, and some of the biggest federal cases in America. Then one simple idea changed everything.

Together with Larry Flax, Rick helped invent California-style pizza, introduced barbecue chicken pizza to the world, and built an international brand with 265 restaurants and frozen pizzas sold in 20,000+ retail stores. Now Rick shares his story in his fascinating book "The California Pizza Kitchen Story" in a fascinating episode of The Motivation Show podcast hosted by Eli Marcus, who has worked with over 4,000 businesses and produced over 4,000 events.   Rick shares the remarkable story behind one of America's greatest restaurant success stories—and the entrepreneurial lessons that turned an unlikely idea into a pizza empire.    

"Most people had never even heard of California-style pizza. In a single day, we dreamed up a concept that would change pizza forever." — Rick Rosenfield

Learn:
What it was like opening that very first restaurant where Rick had to sign personal guarantees

What got Rick over the fear of losing it all 

Why pizza and why your particular brand of pizza and what the heck does California pizza mean anyway

What did Rick tell the numerous people who told him that NY & Chicago pizza or even New Haven pizza is only the real great pizza

What was Rick's favorite part of running restaurants and what were his least favorite 

How did Rick grow from a single restaurant into a global brand all the while maintaining a distinctive culinary vision and culture

Was growing into hundreds of locations in his original business plan

Why did Rick sell

How did Rick operate differently in terms of employees than other restaurants or businesses

How do you franchise a business without losing quality

Subscribe FREE to The Motivation Show Podcast to watch this episode on California Pizza Kitchen and to learn from other world class entrepreneurs as well.

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