Quick Answer

Yes, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in innovative pizzas and California-inspired cuisine, CPK evaluates each applicant individually rather than automatic rejection. With approximately 250 locations across the United States and internationally, CPK offers opportunities in server, cook, dishwasher, host, and bartender positions starting at $12-16/hour (plus tips for servers and bartenders). Your best chances are in dishwasher and cook positions where kitchen skills and work ethic matter more than spotless backgrounds.

Last Verified: October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About California Pizza Kitchen

3. Does California Pizza Kitchen Hire People with Felonies?

4. What California Pizza Kitchen Looks For

5. Available Jobs at California Pizza Kitchen

6. Background Check Process at California Pizza Kitchen

7. State Alcohol Laws Impact

8. Application Tips for California Pizza Kitchen

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Similar Felon-Friendly Casual Dining Companies

11. Final Thoughts

About California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen is a casual dining restaurant chain known for creative pizzas, fresh ingredients, and California-inspired menu items. The company operates approximately 250 restaurants in the United States and internationally, employing thousands of people. CPK focuses on providing quality food in a casual, contemporary atmosphere.

CPK restaurants need reliable employees who can work in fast-paced kitchen and dining environments, maintain food quality standards, provide excellent service, and handle busy lunch and dinner rushes. High turnover in casual dining creates constant hiring needs across all positions.

For people with records, CPK matters because casual dining restaurants take practical approaches to hiring—they need workers who show up consistently, work hard, and provide good service. If you're willing to work demanding restaurant hours and can demonstrate reliability, you have real opportunities.

Does California Pizza Kitchen Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. California Pizza Kitchen's official policy is case-by-case evaluation.

Official Policy

CPK doesn't automatically reject applicants with criminal records. Each application gets individual review. The company considers the type of offense, time since conviction, job requirements, and individual circumstances.

Some CPK locations are corporate-owned while others may operate under different management structures, which can create some variation in hiring approaches.

Real-World Practice

Dishwashers, cooks, and servers with felony records get hired regularly. CPK needs employees who can work lunch and dinner rushes, evenings, weekends, and maintain the quality standards the brand is known for.

Back-of-house positions (kitchen roles) typically face less scrutiny than front-of-house positions (servers, bartenders, hosts). However, front-of-house positions remain accessible for those with good customer service skills and time since conviction.

Bartender positions may face additional considerations due to alcohol service regulations and varying state laws regarding felons serving alcohol.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Time since conviction: 2-3 years helps significantly. 5+ years is better for bartender positions or management roles.

Type of offense: Theft can be problematic for server/bartender positions handling cash, credit cards, and tabs. Drug offenses and other non-violent felonies are typically viewed more favorably. Violent offenses get evaluated based on circumstances. Alcohol-related offenses may raise concerns for bartender positions.

Position applied for: Dishwasher and prep cook positions have the highest acceptance rates. Line cook positions are very accessible. Server positions are possible. Bartender positions face most scrutiny due to alcohol service laws. Host positions fall between kitchen and server roles.

Restaurant location: Urban locations in competitive labor markets may be more flexible. Locations in states with "ban the box" laws provide stronger protections.

State alcohol laws: Some states restrict felons from serving alcohol, affecting bartender and sometimes server eligibility.

What California Pizza Kitchen Looks For

CPK wants employees who thrive in upscale casual dining environments. They value:

• Reliability and consistent attendance

• Ability to work fast-paced shifts

• Schedule flexibility (lunch rushes, dinner service, weekends)

• Customer service skills (for front-of-house)

• Attention to detail and food quality

• Teamwork in high-pressure situations

• Professional appearance and demeanor

  
  

The company cares more about your current ability to provide excellent service and maintain quality standards than your criminal record from years ago. If you can demonstrate reliability and strong work ethic, your hiring chances improve significantly.

Available Jobs at California Pizza Kitchen

CPK offers several positions suitable for people with felony records. Here are the most common roles:

1. Dishwasher / Utility

   Pay: $12-14/hour

   What you do: Wash dishes, clean kitchen equipment, maintain dish pit area, take out trash, assist with basic prep, clean floors and surfaces, maintain sanitation standards.

   Requirements: Physical stamina, ability to work in hot conditions, reliability, attention to cleanliness

   Why it works: Easiest position to get hired for. No customer interaction. Essential role with clear responsibilities. Entry point to restaurant careers.

   
   

2. Line Cook / Pizza Cook

   Pay: $13-17/hour

   What you do: Prepare CPK menu items including pizzas, pastas, and appetizers. Work pizza oven, grill, or sauté stations. Maintain food quality standards, manage cooking times, plate food attractively.

   Requirements: Kitchen experience helpful but not required, ability to work under pressure, food safety awareness, attention to detail

   Why it works: Back-of-house position with no customer interaction. Pizza-making skills valued. Creative food preparation. Advancement potential to lead cook or kitchen manager.

   
   

3. Prep Cook

   Pay: $12-15/hour

   What you do: Prepare ingredients for service, chop vegetables, prepare sauces, portion ingredients, make salads, prep pizza toppings, maintain prep areas, stock stations.

   Requirements: Basic knife skills (training provided), organization, ability to follow recipes, attention to quality

   Why it works: Behind-the-scenes work. Early shifts before service rush. Good stepping stone to line cook. Important foundation role.

   
   

4. Server

   Pay: $5-8/hour base + tips ($20-35/hour total with tips)

   What you do: Take orders, serve food and beverages, explain menu and make recommendations, process payments, provide excellent customer service in upscale casual atmosphere.

   Requirements: Customer service skills, menu knowledge, multitasking ability, professional demeanor, friendly personality

   Why it works: Tip-based income significantly increases earnings. Upscale casual dining typically generates good tips. Direct customer interaction for those with people skills.

   
   

5. Host / Hostess

   Pay: $12-15/hour

   What you do: Greet guests, manage seating and waitlists, answer phones, coordinate with servers, maintain front entrance, handle take-out orders.

   Requirements: Customer service skills, phone etiquette, organization, ability to handle waiting customers, professional appearance

   Why it works: Entry-level front-of-house position. First impression role. Less demanding than server position but still customer-facing. Good way to get restaurant experience.

   
   

6. Busser / Server Assistant

   Pay: $12-14/hour (sometimes tip share)

   What you do: Clear and clean tables, assist servers, refill beverages, reset tables for new guests, maintain dining room cleanliness, polish silverware.

   Requirements: Physical capability, attention to detail, ability to work quickly, teamwork

   Why it works: Support role with less direct customer interaction than servers. Fast-paced work keeps shifts moving. Potential to advance to server position.

   
   

7. Bartender

   Pay: $8-12/hour base + tips ($25-45/hour total with tips)

   What you do: Prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, serve bar customers, check IDs, manage tabs, provide bar service, maintain bar area.

   Requirements: Bartending skills (training sometimes provided), customer service, ID checking, alcohol service certification, must meet state requirements for alcohol service

   Why it works: Highest earning potential due to tips. Creative cocktail environment. However, this position faces most background scrutiny and may be restricted by state laws.

Best entry point: Start as Dishwasher or Prep Cook, demonstrate reliability and attention to quality, learn CPK's standards and menu, then advance to Line Cook or transition to Server based on your personality and skills.

Note on bartending: State laws vary regarding felons serving alcohol. Research your state's specific alcohol service regulations before applying for bartender positions.

Background Check Process at California Pizza Kitchen

Understanding the background check helps you prepare mentally and practically for the hiring process.

When It Happens

CPK conducts background checks after initial interviews, typically before making a final offer. Managers interview candidates first to assess personality, professionalism, and fit for the upscale casual environment before checking backgrounds.

You'll usually complete at least one interview demonstrating your qualifications before they investigate your background. This timing allows you to make a positive personal impression first.

What They Check

California Pizza Kitchen typically conducts 7-year background checks covering:

• Criminal records: Felonies and misdemeanors from county, state, and federal databases

• Employment history: Verification of previous jobs you listed (sometimes)

• Identity verification: Confirming you are who you say you are

• Sex offender registry: Standard check for positions involving public contact

For bartender positions, additional checks may include:

• Alcohol service eligibility verification (state-specific)

• More thorough criminal history review due to alcohol service regulations

How Long It Takes

Standard background checks take 3-7 business days for restaurant positions. Some locations complete checks more quickly depending on urgency and staffing needs.

Delays happen if:

• You've lived in multiple states

• Court records are difficult to access

• Your name requires additional verification

What Happens If Issues Arise

If something concerning appears on your background check:

1. CPK may contact you to discuss findings

2. You have opportunity to explain circumstances or provide context

3. The general manager reviews your case

4. A final decision is made

   
   

Restaurant managers often have input in hiring decisions, especially for kitchen positions. If you've demonstrated professionalism and enthusiasm during interviews and the restaurant needs staff, managers may advocate for you.

State Alcohol Laws Impact

For bartender and sometimes server positions, state laws regarding felons serving alcohol significantly impact eligibility:

• Strict states: Some states prohibit convicted felons from obtaining alcohol service permits

• Moderate states: Case-by-case evaluation with certain felonies disqualifying

• Flexible states: No blanket prohibitions on felons serving alcohol

Research your state's specific alcohol service laws before applying for bartender positions.

Geographic Variations

"Ban the box" laws in many states, particularly California (where CPK originated), require employers to delay criminal history questions until later in hiring and conduct individualized assessments.

Restaurant location matters. Urban locations in competitive labor markets may be more flexible. Locations experiencing staffing shortages often take more practical hiring approaches.

Application Tips for California Pizza Kitchen

Follow these specific strategies to maximize your chances of getting hired at CPK:

1. Apply Online

Visit cpk.com/careers to search for positions at locations near you. Complete applications thoroughly. Also check major job sites where CPK posts openings.

2. Visit the Restaurant in Person

After applying online, visit during slow times (weekday afternoons between lunch and dinner, around 2-4pm). Ask to speak with a manager. Introduce yourself professionally, mention you applied online, express enthusiasm for CPK's food quality focus. Personal connection helps in restaurant hiring.

3. Target Kitchen Positions First

If you have a background, strategically apply for dishwasher or prep cook positions first. These roles have the highest acceptance rates and focus on work ethic rather than customer interaction.

4. Emphasize Quality Standards

CPK is known for quality food and fresh ingredients. Show you understand and value this: "I appreciate CPK's commitment to quality ingredients and creative menu items. I'm detail-oriented and take pride in maintaining high standards."

5. Show Schedule Flexibility

Casual dining needs employees available for lunch rushes (11am-2pm) and dinner service (5pm-9pm), plus weekends. Stress your availability: "I'm available for both lunch and dinner shifts, weekends, and can work closing shifts. I have reliable transportation for any schedule."

6. Highlight Restaurant Experience

Any casual dining, fine dining, or high-volume restaurant experience helps. Be specific: "I worked at [restaurant] where I [specific responsibilities]. I understand the pace and standards of upscale casual dining."

7. Be Ready for the Background Question

When asked about your record, be honest but brief: "I have a [type] conviction from [year]. I've completed my sentence, stayed out of trouble, and I'm focused on building stable employment in the restaurant industry. I'm reliable and take pride in my work."

8. Demonstrate Attention to Detail

CPK values food quality and presentation. Share examples: "I'm detail-oriented. In my previous job, I [example of attention to detail]. I understand presentation and quality matter in upscale casual dining."

9. Show Team Player Mentality

Restaurants require strong teamwork during rushes. Emphasize this: "During busy services, everyone has to work together seamlessly. I communicate well with teammates, help others when I finish tasks early, and understand we succeed or fail as a team."

10. Dress Professionally for Interview

Business casual or slightly elevated casual for CPK—clean dark jeans or khakis with a nice shirt. CPK is upscale casual dining, so presentation matters more than fast food but less than fine dining. Look polished and professional.

11. Research the Menu

Before your interview, review CPK's menu online. Mention specific items you find interesting: "I love the concept of BBQ Chicken Pizza" or "The Thai Chicken Pizza shows creativity." This demonstrates genuine interest.

12. Follow Up

Call or visit 2-3 days after applying/interviewing to check on# BATCH 2: ARTICLES 26-40 (COMPREHENSIVE FORMAT)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my theft conviction disqualify me from being a server at CPK?

A: Not automatically, but theft convictions make server positions more challenging since you handle cash, credit cards, and customer tabs. Focus on kitchen positions like dishwasher or cook first. Emphasize time since conviction and rehabilitation. You might transition to server later after proving yourself in the kitchen.

Q: Does California Pizza Kitchen hire people with drug-related felonies?

A: Yes. Drug possession or other drug-related felonies are generally viewed more favorably than theft or violence. Be honest about your conviction, emphasize your sobriety and rehabilitation, and focus on your work ethic and commitment to quality.

Q: How long should I wait after my conviction to apply?

A: There's no official waiting period, but 2-3 years helps significantly. If you're still on probation, you can still apply—just be prepared to work around probation requirements. Many restaurant managers understand legal situations and are willing to work with scheduling needs.

Q: Can I get hired if I'm currently on probation?

A: Possibly. Probation doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you must meet work schedule requirements (including evenings and weekends) while fulfilling probation obligations. Be upfront about any scheduling limitations with both your probation officer and potential employer.

Q: Does California Pizza Kitchen do drug testing?

A: Policies vary by location. Some CPK restaurants require pre-employment drug testing, especially for management positions. It's less common for entry-level positions but varies. Ask about policies during the interview process if concerned.

Q: Can I be a bartender at CPK with a felony?

A: This depends heavily on your state's alcohol service laws and the type of felony. Some states prohibit convicted felons from serving alcohol, others evaluate case-by-case. Research your state's alcohol service regulations. Even if state law allows it, CPK may have additional policies. Kitchen and server positions are generally more accessible than bartending.

Q: What if my background check shows something I didn't expect?

A: Request a copy of the report and review it carefully for errors. Background check mistakes happen frequently. If something is inaccurate, immediately dispute it with the background check company and inform CPK of the error with supporting documentation.

Q: Are there positions that don't require background checks?

A: No. All CPK positions require background checks. However, evaluation is position-specific, and kitchen positions typically receive more flexible assessments than bartender positions or management roles.

Q: Will CPK see arrests that didn't result in convictions?

A: This depends on your state. Some states, particularly California, prohibit considering arrests without convictions. If arrests appear, briefly explain: "That charge was dismissed" without elaboration.

Q: Can I advance to management with a felony record?

A: Yes. CPK promotes from within based on performance. If you prove yourself reliable, maintain quality standards, and demonstrate leadership, advancement to shift supervisor, kitchen manager, or assistant general manager is possible over time. Many managers started in entry-level positions.

Similar Felon-Friendly Casual Dining Companies

If California Pizza Kitchen doesn't work out or you want to maximize your options, consider these similar casual dining restaurants that also hire people with felony records:

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse – Casual dining with similar upscale atmosphere. Case-by-case hiring policies.

Cheesecake Factory – Upscale casual dining with extensive menu. Known for second-chance employment opportunities.

Olive Garden – Casual Italian dining chain. Case-by-case evaluation, franchise variation in some areas.

Red Lobster – Casual seafood dining. Generally felon-friendly for kitchen and server positions.

Maggiano's Little Italy – Upscale Italian casual dining. Case-by-case hiring with focus on professionalism.

P.F. Chang's – Asian-inspired casual dining. Similar upscale casual atmosphere with practical hiring approaches.

Apply to multiple casual dining restaurants simultaneously. Don't wait for rejections—cast a wide net. Someone is hiring right now.

Final Thoughts

California Pizza Kitchen gives people with records a real chance in upscale casual dining. Your criminal history doesn't automatically disqualify you, especially if you can demonstrate reliability and commitment to quality standards.

Be honest about your background, emphasize your work ethic and attention to detail, and target kitchen positions to start. Many people with felonies have built successful careers starting as CPK dishwashers or cooks, proving their value through consistent performance and quality work, and advancing to line cook, server, or management positions.

Start here: Visit cpk.com/careers to find locations near you and apply online, or visit your local California Pizza Kitchen in person during slow hours (weekday afternoons) to inquire about employment opportunities and meet the hiring manager.