Mendocino Farms Expands in Bay Area
The sandwich and salad chain Mendocino Farms has opened a new location in Dublin, California. The company also announced plans to open two additional restaurants in the Bay Area during 2026 as it continues its regional expansion.
- The fast-casual chain was founded in 2005 in Los Angeles by the husband-and-wife team Mario Del Pero and Ellen Chen. - A majority stake in the company was acquired by the private equity firm TPG Growth in 2017, fueling its expansion beyond Southern California. Whole Foods Market also holds a minority stake in the company. - As of January 2026, there are 91 Mendocino Farms locations in the United States, with 68 of them in California. - The company's expansion into the Bay Area began in late 2017; with the new Dublin restaurant, there are now 16 locations in the region. - The two additional Bay Area locations planned for 2026 are slated for Mill Valley and Concord. - The company aims to reach 150 locations within the next five years and is expanding into new states, including Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado. - Mendocino Farms restaurants are all company-owned, and there are currently no plans to franchise. - The chain emphasizes partnerships with sustainable California farms and artisans, and it seasonally updates its menu.
