LA’s Mendocino Farms Brings Its Sandwich Empire to SF

Mendocino Farms, the increasingly prolific chain based in Los Angeles, has made its way into San Francisco’s lunch-hungry downtown. It will debut its menu of sandwiches and salads on August 9 at the Merchant’s Exchange building (465 California Street).

This is the fourth Northern California location (San Mateo, Campbell, and San Jose are already open) from founders Ellen Chen and Mario Del Pero, both of whom are natives of the area. In fact, Del Pero’s great-great-grandfather ran a butcher shop just blocks away at the turn of the century. Now they’re bringing their restaurant, which was inspired by local mainstays like Bakesale Betty and Tartine, back home.

At 5,882 square feet, this will be the largest location to date, boasting a second kitchen designated solely for catering and delivery. It’s also the first Mendocino Farms to offer breakfast, grab-and-go salads, and local coffee, from Santa Cruz’s Verve Coffee.

The restaurants in Los Angeles are known for their sleek design, with plenty of plants, chalk boards, marble, and colorful accents. SF’s outpost will go for an “old world aesthetic” with marble, brass, and smoky mirrors, communal tables, banquettes, and an outdoor seating area, all by Valerio Architects.

When it opens, Mendocino Farms will be open from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; breakfast will launch in the coming weeks.

• Popular Los Angeles Sandwich Shop Mendocino Farms Makes Its First Foray Into Bay Area [ESF]
• Mendocino Farms [Official]