Mendocino Farms Continues Bay Area Expansion
The sandwich and salad chain Mendocino Farms is continuing its expansion in the Bay Area with a new opening in Dublin. The company also has plans for two additional regional restaurants this year. The growth reflects local demand for fresh, high-quality, fast-casual dining options.
- The Dublin restaurant is the latest of more than 15 Mendocino Farms locations in the Bay Area, which include Berkeley, Campbell, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Jose, and Walnut Creek. - Founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Mario Del Pero and Ellen Chen, the chain started with a single location in Los Angeles and has since expanded to over 75 restaurants. - The company's name pays tribute to Mendocino County, known for its support of the slow food movement and sustainable farming. - In 2017, private equity firm TPG Inc. acquired a majority stake in the company, fueling its ongoing expansion. - Whole Foods Market is also a minority investor in the chain, and some Mendocino Farms locations have opened inside Whole Foods stores. - The brand's culinary philosophy focuses on chef-driven, seasonal menus with a fine-dining approach to sandwiches and salads. - In January 2025, the company announced plans to open 15 new restaurants that year and more than five in Northern California over the following two years.
