California Pizza Kitchen announces automated retail kiosks roll-out in partnership with T-ROC Global
California Pizza Kitchen is set to roll-out up to 1,000 automated pizza making kiosks across the US through a partnership with T-ROC Global. The pair will target real estate with high foot traffic, like hospitals, hotels, campuses, and sports venues, where opening a full sized restaurant would be impractical.
The offering will use TurboChef powered cooking, touchscreen technology and data driven systems. According to California Pizza Kitchen, the kiosks can prepare a pizza in as little as 90 seconds. The menu is expected to extend beyond pizza. Plans are afoot to offer items including Kung Pao and Bolognese spaghetti, Mac ‘N’ Cheese varieties and the brand’s Butter Cake.
California Pizza Kitchen began testing automated retail in 2025. Machines are now operating at airports including Boston Logan International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas Love Field and Dayton International Airport. The company also expects to activate another 15 at universities by the end of 2026.
“For decades, CPK has been dedicated to meeting consumers wherever they are, whether through our global restaurant network, airport and non-traditional locations, off-site events, or the local grocery store where we’ve been a leading premium pizza brand for 25 years,” says Michael Beacham, President at California Pizza Kitchen Global. “Our automated retail strategy, now accelerated through a partnership with T-ROC, introduces CPK to entirely new occasions and venues where consumers desire quality food on the go.”
“CPK is exactly the kind of iconic consumer brand that can redefine what automated retail can be,” saysq Brett Beveridge, CEO and Founder at T-ROC Global. “Consumers increasingly expect their favourite brands to meet them where they are, and technology is making that possible in entirely new ways. By combining CPK’s brand, food and loyal following with T-ROC’s nationwide infrastructure and technology capabilities, we have an opportunity to build a new national distribution channel at a meaningful scale.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Automated retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
