Nation’s Restaurant News: California Pizza Kitchen Names Jim Hyatt CEO

Starting immediately, Jim Hyatt is taking on the role of California Pizza Kitchen CEO. According to a recent Nation’s Restaurant News article, Hyatt will be replacing current chief executive offer G.J. Hart who is retiring. Hyatt was most recently CEO of Ruby Tuesday but has plenty of restaurant leadership experience including Church’s Chicken and Cosí Inc. CEO as well as global operating officer of Burger King.

“G.J. led the revitalization of CPK’s brand and culture, and we are confident that Jim is the ideal person to take the reins as CPK embarks on its next stage of growth,” said Josh Olshansky, a managing director of CPK’s majority shareholder, Golden Gate Capital. “We are deeply grateful for G.J. for his leadership and contributions, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Hyatt comes on board to the Los Angeles-based brand as it is prioritizing growth and he will oversee its 300 restaurants across 13 countries. Hart is confident his replacement will be able to build on the legacy he created.

Click here to read the full story.