Instant Alert: I visited a Whole Foods-backed sandwich chain that's built a cult following on the West Coast and saw exactly why Californians love it

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   I visited a Whole Foods-backed sandwich chain that's built a cult following on the West Coast and saw exactly why Californians love it by Dennis Green on Jul 27, 2018, 10:39 AM Advertisement Mendocino Farms is a Los Angeles-based sandwich chain with a bit of a following. The chain is famous for its fresh ingredients and commitment to tasty and locally sourced ingredients. The chain currently only has locations in California, but it has announced plans to open a restaurant in Houston, Texas, in 2019. I visited Mendocino Farms on a recent trip to Southern California to see what all the fuss is about. Mendocino Farms is a jewel. That's the only way to describe this relatively small chain of fast-casual restaurants that has made a name for itself on the West Coast for its "better sandwich" concept. What's a "better sandwich?" Think mid-priced (like $11 to $13) sandwiches, all made with gourmet ingredients that are sourced locally and organic when possible. That approach has filled a niche in the market and attracted the attention of partners like Whole Foods, which first invested an undisclosed amount in the sandwich chain back in 2015. It has also attracted plenty of customers and helped the chain to expand to 22 locations, with eight more on the way, including one in Houston, Texas. That shop, announced earlier this year, will be Mendocino Farms' first location outside of California. On a recent trip to the Los Angeles area, I decided to check out what a "better sandwich" is all about: SEE ALSO: Amazon is launching a better version of the post office in cities around the country. Here's what it's like to use. This is Mendocino Farms, a California-based sandwich chain with a serious local fan base. I went to the location near the Grove. Mendocino Farms isn't your typical fast-casual joint. Walk into a location, and you're immediately greeted by a large menu. An employee was waiting right next to it with an iPad to take my order. I was then directed to the cash register, where I could add drinks and sweets to my order. Customers are also allowed to try anything in the glass case as a free sample. See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to: nguyenvu1187.love5@blogger.com   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011