California Pizza Kitchen, the Costa Mesa, California-based quick casual pizza chain, is partnering with Miami-based technology company T-ROC Global to significantly expand its automated retail presence. Under the agreement, T-ROC will deploy and operate up to 1,000 CPK automated retail machines over the next three years, creating a new distribution channel for the restaurant brand in locations where traditional restaurants may not be practical. The machines will target high-traffic venues including airports, universities, hospitals, hotels, offices, residential communities, EV charging stations and sports facilities. Using TurboChef cooking technology, data-driven intelligence and touchscreen ordering, the machines can prepare a CPK pizza in as little as 90 seconds. Beyond pizza, the offering is expected to include favourites such as Kung Pao, Bolognese Spaghetti, Mac ‘N’ Cheese and CPK’s signature Butter Cake. The rollout will initially focus on clusters of at least 20 machines across 30 major U.S. markets. CPK has been testing automated retail since last year, with machines already operating at several airports and additional university locations planned. T-ROC will provide nationwide deployment, logistics, replenishment, maintenance and technical support, including servicing CPK’s other automated retail partners.
T-ROC Global, 800 Douglas Rd., Suite 450, Miami, Florida 33134 (305/539-3810 www.trocglobal.com)
California Pizza Kitchen, 575 Anton Blvd., Suite 100, Costa Mesa, California 92626 (310/342-5000 www.cpk.com)