California Pizza Kitchen’s Saying Sorry With 25,000 Free Pizzas

It’s always satisfying when a big restaurant acknowledges what its customers want. We’ve seen a fair bit of that recently, too: In a climate where everything costs more and there’s never been more choice, chains know that they have to keep on top of and reflect what their diners are asking for, lest they go elsewhere. Burger King’s recent improvements feel partly like a response to what customers have been requesting for years now, and this month, California Pizza Kitchen has pulled a similar move. 

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And it’s a real two-parter. Free pizzas and a fan-fave coming back? Worse things have happened.

Apology Pizzas

CPK has just announced that it’s giving away up to 25,000 “Apology Pizzas” throughout October, which also happens to be National Pizza Month. It should be said that the apology of it all might not have been one the chain strictly needed to make: It’s saying sorry for not bringing back the pizzas its customers ask for most on social media and in person. Restaurants rejigging their menu and taking away formerly beloved items is fairly par for the course, but here, California Pizza Kitchen has turned it into an opportunity to give away some free stuff – provided that you’re willing to acknowledge its errors online. 

What’s that, you say? Online? Yes: To claim an apology pizza, customers have to head to CPK’s Instagram or TikTok and leave a comment saying “apology accepted.” The restaurant will then DM you the offer, which will allow you to get a free small pizza if you spend $20 or more at participating locations. You can redeem the offer until November 10, and it only applies to certain pizzas on its menu, like The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Pepperoni, Margherita, and Hawaiian. 

The Comeback

But that’s not all! I promised a two-parter, and a two-parter I deliver. California Pizza Kitchen is also promising that one of those long-lost pizzas customers have been asking for – like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Shrimp Scampi, or Pear and Gorgonzola – will be coming back in 2027. Which one is as yet unclear, but CPK says it’ll be keeping an eye on its socials to see which one is the most heavily requested in the coming months.

Between this and IHOP bringing back its Stuffed French Toast as a result of customer requests, it’s clear that restaurants are keeping a keener eye on their socials than ever. Speak now, or hold your peace!