Walking on the ground floor of Century City Mall in Makati, one is enticed with the toasty smell wafting from nearby. At this mall, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has a cozy island setup, with an easy layout and open kitchen where diners can watch some hand-tossing action and hot pizza pulled out of a brick oven.
The island concept is a first for CPK globally, said Archie Rodriguez, president and CEO of GRCI, CPK’s local franchise holder. “It is smaller, more relaxed, but still has that casual California vibe. It is also child-friendly.”
The island layout is less intimidating than the typical mall-based CPK branch. It invites shoppers to stop by for a snack. It seats around 80, and has tables for families and groups. Interiors are bright and friendly, complete with framed California images on the wall.
The island concept is part of CPK’s Next Chapter project, a series of upgrades which includes a new menu and in-store catering service.
“We can customize large-order packages which you can order for take-out or delivery, or we can cater a full party complete with a wait staff,” Rodriguez said.
The “pizza island” has been well-received since it opened September at Century City Mall, and we can expect more of these island stores in other locations—even in other countries—this year, Rodriguez added.