While we were driving over to California Pizza Kitchen I was wondering: Why was Bertucci's so crowded? Especially on a Tuesday night? Based on visiting the CPK previously on Friday nights I had a feeling they wouldn't have a wait on a Tuesday night. Sure enough the place was nearly empty. I'd estimate it was only about 20% full.To understand why the California Pizza Kitchen in Wellesley is struggling, we need to understand the Wellesley consumer. This is no easy task. People in Wellesley spend money on the following things:
- Education
- Real Estate
This is part of why the Natick Collection is a ghost town. Add to this the fact that a lot of people in the Boston area dislike chain restaurants and things don't look good for the CPK in Wellesley.
Okay, so why is it that the California Pizza Kitchen struggling while Bertucci's is apparently doing well? They're both chains. Both are competing with almost a dozen other pizza places within striking distance. Bertucci's happens to be headquartered in Massachusetts but I don't necessarily think of them as a Boston kind of company. Is the menu at CPK too unusual? Is it perceived as being too pricey? Is it actually too pricey? Is the ambiance off the mark for what people are looking for? Not family friendly enough? Do people not like the individual-sized pizza model? Is the food not good? Do people just not like it? Yelp reviews are lackluster and inconsistent.
I honestly don't get it. We had a great meal tonight and every time we've been there so far. But I'm afraid it's not going to be around much longer. The location seems a bit unusual as compared to their other locations (which tend to be attached to higher traffic areas like malls or urban locations). The build-out always seemed half-hearted to me as well. Like they could be out of there with short notice if necessary. I hope they stick around but wouldn't be surprised if they don't make it.
What do you think? Is the CPK in Wellesley going to make it? Why doesn't Wellesley eat at the California Pizza Kitchen very often?
8 comments:
Good question, maybe it is a regional thing or local regulations but when I looked at the photo at the top of your post I did not immediately recognize this as a CPK. I don't see the logo sign with the palm tree that makes me think CPK. Don't the awnings usually have the logo and writing on them too? If I knew CPK was there and was trying to find it obviously this is the place but, if I was just passing by, this location would not have said CPK to me. If I was not familiar with CPK, and I was in the North East, I would say, "What does California know about pizza?" and keep driving.
We were doing a comparison today between the signage at this Wellesley location and that at the nearby Natick location. I think there was some corporate-wide rebranding and changes in font selection but the Natick location retained more of the original diamond logo/palm tree aesthetic the Wellesley location did away with. As a result the Natick location stands out as more of a typical CPK location than Wellesley. I totally agree with you that it's overly discreet and therefore virtually unrecognizable as a CPK unless you're looking for it.
I can understand wanting to have somewhat of a regionally distinct signage (white stucco wouldn't really fit at this location) but I think they took it too far.
Thanks for your comment!
As a California native I have been a huge fan of California style pizza and CPK since they first opened in 1985. When I moved here 15 years ago the Natick location quickly became one of our families favorite spots for a relatively inexpensive meal. I was overjoyed when they moved to Wellesley , but since they've opened I've only eaten there 4 times, once dining in, and three times for take out. I still eat at CPK in Natick when I'm at the mall or after a movie. It's hard to put a finger on exactly why. I think their prices/ value have a lot to do with it. I still love the menu but I can go have a fabulous lunch at the Blue Ginger for the same price as a meal at CPK
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the comment. I grew up in Arizona so maybe it's a similar perspective we're coming from. It's certainly not cheap- but what sit down restaurant in the area provides substantially better value? None that I can think of really. Being from CA especially I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on The Cottage. Love the atmosphere but the food is almost always just a little disappointing to me. Not much flavor.
We love Blue Ginger too and I can't wait to get over to check out their new lunch noodle menu.
-Bob
Bob, I was excited when the Cottage opened up but I feel the same way you do. It's been so inconsistent that I've given up on it.They do seem to have built a loyal following. Tell me, where does an Arizona transplant go for Mexican food in the vicinity?
I think the Wellesley CPK will definitely catch on in time. They don't seem to advertise so it is by word of mouth and lately it has been crowded. The take out is excellent with friendly staff and helpful with orders, pizza is good. This is a step
up from Bertucci's, which is like eating at a daycare center.
La Strata is not worth the price and The Cottage is good for a burger. I think people are also coming to CPK from Natick, Sherborn and Needham, not just Wellesley, it beats traveling to the mall.
@Karen Finding good Mexican food in the Boston area is a tall order for sure isn't it! There's some decent burrito joints around so we tend to go to those when we have a taste for Mexican. Three Margaritas in Waltham does a pretty good job when you're looking for chips, salsa, and Coronas (which is often the mood I'm in when I say I'm in the mood for Mexican). Fancier Mexican places actually seem more plentiful. Like Casa Romero in Boston.
@anon we were back there a couple of Fridays ago and it was once again excellent. Good food, good service, reasonable price for kids meals. And still nearly empty!
Maybe they do business at times other than when I'm there. I hope they do- it would really be a loss if they packed it in.
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