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Whole Foods just backed a tiny sandwich chain no one has heard of — and now it's planning a huge expansion
(Mendocino Farms)
Mendocino Farms is about to explode.
Whole Foods just backed a tiny Los Angeles sandwich chain called Mendocino Farms.
The grocery chain took a minority stake in the restaurant, which has only 11 locations and is now planning a massive expansion with the investment, Nation's Restaurant News reports.
In addition to opening new standalone restaurants, Mendocino will also open restaurants inside new and existing Whole Foods stores, according to NRN.
The restaurants will serve the sandwich chain's full menu and be wholly operated by Mendocino.
The menu includes items like "not so fried" chicken, spicy lemongrass steak banh mi, house smoked chicken and street corn torta, and prosciutto and free range chicken.
(Mendocino Farms)
"Mendocino Farms is one of the best sandwich and salad concepts coming out of Southern California, and we believe it's one of the top emerging restaurant brands in the country," David Lannon, Whole Foods' executive vice president of operations, said in a statement.
Mendocino Farms is a fast-casual concept featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients on freshly baked bread.
(Mendocino Farms)
Prices are comparable to those at Chipotle, with customers paying an average of $12.50 for a meal, according to NRN.
The average unit brings in about $3.2 million in revenue.
(Mendocino Farms)
The restaurants' interiors feature chalkboard walls and wood and stainless steel accents, with glowing signs that read "EAT HAPPY." Green turf covers parts of the ceiling, chairs, and walls in some restaurants.
Lunch 😛 #eathappy #nom #saturday #mendocinofarms
A photo posted by Briana Baci Libio (@briibacixo) on Aug 22, 2015 at 1:49pm PDT on Aug 22, 2015 at 1:49pm PDT
Some restaurants also feature foosball tables.
This places is completely adorable. Lunch with @misssaturdaymorning @alesandrabev
A photo posted by Aramael Pena-Alcantara (@aramael) on Aug 2, 2015 at 11:51am PDT on Aug 2, 2015 at 11:51am PDT
Whole Foods will most likely add Mendocino units to its new cheaper-store concept, called 365 by Whole Foods market, according to NRN.
A photo posted by bake broil and blog (@bakebroilandblog) on Aug 15, 2015 at 12:32pm PDT on Aug 15, 2015 at 12:32pm PDT
The grocery chain is planning to opening its first five 365 stores next year, including one in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Silver Lake. The 365 stores will target millennials, according to Whole Foods executives.
Here's a vegan wrap:
enlightened vegan falafel wrap 😍 #vegan #sweetforwraps #sobomb #mendo #whereelse #whoelse
A photo posted by Fifi Shore&Mar McCar&Soph Mar (@sosweet_socal) on Sep 8, 2015 at 7:50pm PDT on Sep 8, 2015 at 7:50pm PDT
This sandwich features thick-cut turkey, tomato, avocado, smoked Gouda, chili aioli, and jalapeno relish.
A photo posted by #LAFoodieGuy ✌🏼️😎🍔 (@lafoodieguy) on Oct 1, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT on Oct 1, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT
The restaurant also smokes its own barbecue. This sandwich features pulled pork that has been smoked for eight hours.
A photo posted by Food Steez (@foodsteez) on Sep 28, 2015 at 12:11pm PDT on Sep 28, 2015 at 12:11pm PDT
The chain features hearty salads like this one with cotija cheese, quinoa, grape tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla chips.
A photo posted by Yvonne M.H. (@yvonnem127) on Sep 14, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT on Sep 14, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT
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