Prince Of Petworth » Blog Archive » California Pizza Kitchen Closes on Connecticut Ave.

California Pizza Kitchen Closes on Connecticut Ave.

24 November 2009 10:04 PM | By Prince Of Petworth in Coming and Going, Restaurants - Downtown

“Dear PoP,

On my way to work today, I noticed that the CPK on Conn and N was closed (with paper over the windows). While I understand that CPK isn’t the heart and soul of DC’s gastronomic culture, I still like a good bowl of split pea and some weird pizza every now and then. No one seems to know what happened and I’ve noticed lots of people trying to peak in to see if a fire or something like that occured.

Any news would be greatly appreciated.”

I stopped by the building at 1250 Connecticut Ave., NW and spoke with one of the building’s employees. She told me that CPK did not renew their lease so they have closed up. She wasn’t sure what was going into the space, though she guesses another restaurant, and she wasn’t sure whether or not CPK was going to open up in another location.

I’m just curious – do other folks like CPK?

24 November 2009 11:21 PM | Javier Said:

No. Absolute nastiest chain restaurant of all.

25 November 2009 8:02 AM | Sammy Said:

CPK is one of my guiltiest pleasures. Tell no one, please.

25 November 2009 8:22 AM | Logan Girl Said:

Can’t say I’ve ever been.

25 November 2009 8:54 AM | Anonymous Said:

I know it’s going to make some folks in Columbia Heights jealous, but that would make a great location for the D.C. flagship Arby’s franchise.

25 November 2009 9:14 AM | Anonymous Said:

Good salads.

25 November 2009 9:46 AM | Anonymous Said:

I work nearby and had been there a few time for work lunches, but I would never spend my own money there. There are plenty of local pizza joints where I would rather spend my money. Hopefully an upgrade will take that spot!

25 November 2009 10:17 AM | Melissa Said:

Nostalgic favorite of mine.

25 November 2009 10:23 AM | Anonymous Said:

If you actually like CPK you don’t deserve tastebuds

25 November 2009 10:25 AM | Ustmafia Said:

who cares

25 November 2009 10:33 AM | Meat Lover Said:

@Anonymous 8:54am

YES! I couldn’t agree more. NW needs an Arby’s now, more than ever. CPK stinks and I for one would welcome a new Arby’s— hell, I’d be there daily!!!!!

25 November 2009 11:30 AM | Anonymous Said:

I loved this place before I moved to the city. Went back a few months ago, and was shocked that I used to love their food, which now comes off as not very good and pre-packaged. Oh how your tastes change when you move from the suburbs.

25 November 2009 11:47 AM | Pennywise Said:

Isn’t there an Arby’s in the Greyhound bus station? Or was that long ago?

25 November 2009 11:56 AM | asl Said:

CPK is a theme restaurant and the California culinary theme has long run its course.

25 November 2009 12:13 PM | houseintherear Said:

adios to another chain, yay!

25 November 2009 12:24 PM | New Hampy Said:

chains are not all bad, enough with all the kvetching. what’s wrong with wanting to go someplace with standardized service where you kmow exactly what you’re going to get? it’s not like this is area has a distinct neighborhood – it was a good option for workers, tourists, and yes residents.

25 November 2009 2:10 PM | fedward Said:

That answer sure came fast. According to a post from Tom Sietsema on the GOGBlog, it’s going to be an italian joint called Casa Nonna, under the BLT umbrella.

25 November 2009 2:46 PM | vonstallin Said:

I love the place….
first place i ever had pinnapples on my pizza and wheat crust….

never went to this one so as long as crystal city is still around im down.

25 November 2009 3:30 PM | GoFish Said:

I liked CPK. Fine dining experience, no. But it was healthy, affordable, and comfortable alternative to expensive, hard to get into places. It was a great option for families. I’ll miss it.

25 November 2009 8:14 PM | Pastor Joe Said:

What are the “better” alternatives for pizza in that area that you all are talking about. I, too, would prefer a non-chain pizza place but, face it, it doesn’t exist by there. Also, it’s really hard to beat that BBQ Chicken Pizza. FInd me a local spot that does that and I’ll be there in a heartbeat.

26 November 2009 9:18 AM | nick b Said:

If I liked CPK, I’d also like cooking a frozen pizza and tossing some pineapple on it. A chain bites the dust, and good people smile.

26 November 2009 11:53 AM | dodgecitydave Said:

Give me Popeye’s or give me death.

26 November 2009 6:02 PM | DCster Said:

CPK was okay, but I always will remember my boyfriend and I leaving our table only to see Secretary of State Albright take our place.

27 November 2009 9:30 AM | vonstallin Said:

…………………………………………..

Im rubbing some popeyes cajun fried turkey juice off my chin as we speak….nom nom nom nom……

28 November 2009 2:13 PM | ZZinDC Said:

“… it’s going to be an italian joint called Casa Nonna, under the BLT umbrella.” So where’s all the uproar from the chain haters? Or are some chains more acceptable than others. Not that I was a fan of CPK, but I had eaten there on occasion, and appreciated it for what it was – something basic, better than fast food, but not a epicurean delight. Nice to have some middle of the road options – I don’t know about “Casa Nonna” but if it’s too much like the rest of the BLT shops, it may be exquisite food, but it will probably be much too expensive for any other than a very rare treat.

04 December 2009 7:45 PM | Cass, a resident Said:

Gees guys. The booths were comfy, the pizzas were filling, the salads were always fresh and the wait staff was really friendly. And the red velvet cake was TO DIE FOR. A sad day, at least for me.