Restaurants

California Pizza Kitchen pizza vending machine lands at Dayton airport

Image courtesy T-ROC Global

September 2, 2026

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A California Pizza Kitchen automated retail machine is already operating at Dayton International Airport, giving Ohio travelers access to freshly prepared pizza without visiting a traditional restaurant, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer report. The Dayton machine is part of an automated retail program the restaurant chain began testing in 2025, with similar units operating at Boston Logan International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Dallas Love Field.

The touchscreen machines use TurboChef cooking equipment and other technology to prepare a 7-inch California Pizza Kitchen pizza in about 90 seconds. The concept is designed to go beyond conventional vending, with plans to offer additional menu items such as Kung Pao and Bolognese spaghetti, several varieties of macaroni and cheese and the chain's signature Butter Cake.

California Pizza Kitchen recently announced a partnership with retail technology company T-ROC Global to deploy and operate up to 1,000 machines nationwide over the next three years, targeting airports, universities, hospitals, hotels, offices, residential communities, EV charging stations and sports venues. The initial rollout will focus on clusters of at least 20 machines across about 30 U.S. markets, while T-ROC will provide replenishment, maintenance, logistics and other operational support.