California Pizza Kitchen Marks 40th Anniversary with Busy Philipps and Nostalgic Campaign

The rebranding effort features a refreshed identity, seasonal classics, and promotions, with actress Busy Philipps celebrating her personal connection to the chain.

California Pizza Kitchen launched its 40th-anniversary campaign on March 24, 2025, introducing a new tagline, 'Fresh. To. Death.' and a chrome palm tree logo.
Busy Philipps, who worked as a hostess at the chain in high school, is the face of the campaign and stars in a promotional video encouraging the brand to embrace its milestone age.
The seasonal menu, running through May 19, 2025, brings back fan-favorite items like Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza and Waldorf Chicken Salad.
Promotional Thank You Cards, available through May 11, 2025, offer prizes ranging from discounts to cash rewards, with additional perks for loyalty program members.
The campaign reflects a trend of legacy brands leveraging nostalgia to connect with loyal customers while appealing to new audiences.