How Mendocino Farms is setting the pace for fast casual’s future
Mendocino Farms accelerates growth with 20.1% sales increase and plans for more locations.
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Mendocino Farms, a fast-casual brand based in Los Angeles, reported a 20.1% increase in sales and a 22.2% rise in unit counts in 2025. The chain, which has around 100 locations across six states, plans to open 16 new locations this year and 18 next year. The brand attributes its success to an elevated menu and service structure that resonates with consumer preferences.
Why It Matters
The reported sales growth and unit expansion suggest a strong market positioning for Mendocino Farms, which may attract interest from franchisees looking to enter or expand in competitive fast-casual territories.
Mendocino Farms, a fast-casual chain based in Los Angeles, is setting an aggressive pace within the sector, as underscored by its notable 20.1% sales growth and 22.2% unit growth in 2025, according to Technomic Ignite data. The brand has surpassed 100 locations across six states and intends to further expand with 16 new locations this year and an additional 18 planned for 2026. This ambition reflects a significant increase in size since its expansion began in 2021.
CEO Kevin Miles and CMO Alicia Mowder attribute the chain's robust growth to a focus on quality menu offerings and a unique guest experience that merges elements of traditional fast casual with casual dining. They emphasize that consumers are gravitating towards dining experiences that provide higher quality food and service—areas where Mendocino Farms seeks to excel. In a recent discussion, Miles stated, “You should take the quality of your experience seriously — but not much else,” highlighting the brand’s commitment to enhancing guest satisfaction without compromising its core identity.
The expansion strategy aligns with broader trends in the fast-casual sector, which experienced a slowdown in sales growth overall, averaging just 6% last year compared to a 9% average growth rate over the previous three years. Mendocino Farms’ accelerated growth may indicate stronger system health and market positioning, especially in light of how lifestyle brands continue to capture customer loyalty through unique differentiators and visually appealing food presentations.
