New deal with Byron Mora Porras, chairman of Conceptos Gastronomicos, leads to opening of two-story restaurant
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened in Costa Rica thanks to a development agreement with Conceptos Gastronomicos’ chairman, Byron Mora Porras. The deal lead to the debut of a two-story location in Multiplaza Mall in Escazu, outside of San Jose. This expansion comes on the heels of new restaurants developed in Canada, India and Chile in 2022.
Conceptos Gastronomicos operates eateries and retail stores in 11 countries across Central and South Americas. Porras will own and operate the new CPK restaurant.
The new CPK Escazu is part of the recently-renovated Multiplaza mall, located outside of San Jose. The mall is known to appeal to local Costa Ricans and tourists alike. The CPK appeals to guests with its expansive, two-story restaurant, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor patio area. The restaurant is designed for the warm, tropical climate of Costa Rica, suggests the polished-casual pizza chain. The California-themed accents and bright colors will present the restaurant in the typical branded package.
Giorgio Minardi, EVP of global and franchise operations for CPK, commented, “We are happy to be working with partners like Byron and his team who have the same brand principles and values that CPK has been executing for over 35 years. We look forward to working with his team to bring CPK’s fresh California inspired cuisine to Costa Rica. A vibrant, cultural melting pot, Costa Rica is the ideal place to grow our incredible brand and we plan to open an additional location there soon.”
CPK Escazu will menu hand-tossed pizzas, pastas, and desserts. Also available, featured specialty items will include CPK’s Carbonara Pasta, Dynamite Shrimp, Hot Wings, and the new West Coast Burger, which the Costas Mesa, Calif.-based chain launched this past October. The West Coast Burger will stand out with its signature beef blend of Wagyu, chuck and brisket, topped with melted American cheese, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, tomato, pickles, lettuce and house-made burger sauce. The specialty burger comes with crispy potatoes.
“While working with consumers across the globe, we know California Pizza Kitchen’s innovative cuisines and cooking styles will resonate heavily with Costa Ricans,” Byron Mora Porras, Chairman of Conceptos Gastronomicos. “We’re grateful that CPK has given us the flexibility to tailor our menu and restaurant design to meet the needs of our customers here in Costa Rica. With a beautiful, multi-level outdoor space, this restaurant will provide a place for Costa Ricans to experience the taste and feel of California in their own home country.”
CPK, Boulevard Camino Real, off Autopista Prospero Fernandez Highway, Escazu, Costa Rica, 10201
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