Cpk Strategic Process

Prepared by: Todd Breen

MGT599 – Strategic Management Process/Vision, Goals, Objectives

- Module 1 Case -

September, 2010

Breen 1 Strategic Management Process/Vision, Goals, Objectives

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In this case paper I am serving in the position of a consultant providing a report for the board and CEO of the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Company. The CPK Company is known for innovative toppings with recipes like Jamaican Jerk Chicken and the Pear & Gorgonzola pizzas. There is more than 260 CPKs in 32 states and ten other countries. The company is very successful even without a formally published vision or mission statement. Visiting the company website one can find a view of the company through the investor relations and FAQ pages. Reviewing these areas reveal statements which could be further developed providing clarity and direction for the work force and the stakeholders. INTRODUCTION The company needs to provide a formally published mission and vision statement. The lack of a formalized mission and vision statement does not speak well for the founders. However, even in the absence of these the company has been successful and continues to grow, this can be attributed to the quality of the products. The CPK Company was founded in 1985 by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Unlike many of their competitors back then CPK continued to grow while the competition struggled with management and financing issues CPK founders have said “Flax and Rosenfeld attribute the company’s success to their product and the corporate culture.” (Engle, 2001) The company does not franchise in the US, but has overseas. CPK also has expanded by having Nestle and Kraft foods distribute frozen pizzas. Most of the revenue comes from the company owned full service restaurants. Fifty stores to date have franchised.

Breen 2 EVALUATION Although there is not a formal vision and mission statement published, early interviews with Mr. Rosenfield state the initial...