How Mendocino Farms is setting the pace for fast casual’s future

The fast-casual category experienced some growing pains in 2025; according to the Technomic Top 500, fast-casual sales grew 6% last year, which marked a deceleration from the 9% average growth it experienced over the past three years.

Mendocino Farms didn’t get the memo, though.

The Los Angeles-based sandwich and salad fast casual grew sales by 20.1% and unit counts by 22.2% in 2025, according to Technomic Ignite data. It has more than doubled in size since 2021.

Today Mendocino Farms has around 100 locations open in six states, with plans to open 16 locations this year and 18 next year.

CEO Kevin Miles and CMO Alicia Mowder say Mendocino Farms’ elevated menu and service structure are to thank for its fast growth, as consumers are looking for restaurant experiences that bridge the gap between traditional fast casual and casual dining.

The two leaders sat down separately with NRN’s editor in chief for the latest episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches to talk about Mendo’s unique guest experience, how they’re building guest loyalty in markets new and old, and why they’re both optimistic for the future of fast casual.

In these conversations, you’ll learn more about why:

• You should take the quality of your experience seriously — but not much else

• There is an opportunity in the market for full service quality with fast casual service and price

• Brands don’t have to change, but they do have to evolve

• Lifestyle brands are alive and well and capturing guest loyalty with key differentiators

• Even when your sales are positive, question how you can get better

• Visually appealing food invites customers to do the marketing for you

Contact Sam Oches at [email protected].