California Pizza Kitchen is evolving one of its flagship menu items by introducing a plant-based chicken pizza version that appeals to vegetarians and flexitarians alike. The BBQ Chicken Pizza can now be experienced by a wider range of people with the brand-new BBQ "Don’t Call Me Chicken" Pizza, which features a 100% plant-powered chicken substitute. The pizza also promises California Pizza Kitchen's "legendary BBQ sauce" along with other beloved toppings like smoked Gouda, red onions and fresh cilantro.
As Brian Sullivan, Executive Head Chef and SVP of Culinary Innovation at CPK says, "Our BBQ Chicken Pizza has been the cornerstone of our California-style menu since our first restaurant opened 35 years ago, and now we’re proud to bring the pizza that put us on the map to an even broader consumer subset."
Plant-Based Chicken Pizzas
California Pizza Kitchen Created a New Version of a Flagship Menu Item
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Meat Alternatives - The creation of a plant-based chicken pizza by California Pizza Kitchen highlights the rising trend of plant-based meat alternatives and the potential for further innovation in this space.
2. Flexitarianism - The introduction of a plant-based chicken pizza appeals to both vegetarians and flexitarians, reflecting the increasing popularity and demand for flexible diets that include meat alternatives.
3. Menu Evolution - As seen with California Pizza Kitchen's BBQ 'Don't Call Me Chicken' Pizza, there is potential for food establishments to innovate and evolve their menus to cater to changing consumer preferences and dietary needs.
Industry Implications
1. Plant-based Food - The plant-based food industry has potential for growth and innovation as consumers increasingly seek out meat alternatives and flexible diets.
2. Restaurant - The restaurant industry can capitalize on the trend of plant-based meat alternatives and flexible diets to offer new and innovative menu items, appealing to a wider range of consumers.
3. Food Manufacturing - Food manufacturers can explore the creation of plant-based meat substitutes to meet rising demand, as seen with California Pizza Kitchen's plant-powered chicken substitute in their BBQ 'Don't Call Me Chicken' Pizza.