LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mendocino Farms, the popular upscale fast-casual sandwich and salad destination based in Southern California, announced today that Kevin Miles has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer. As a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience establishing, developing, and expanding industry-leading restaurant concepts, Miles is well suited to lead and scale the Mendocino Farms brand.

“We are thrilled that Kevin has joined the Mendocino Farms family,” says Mendocino Farms Co-Founder Mario Del Pero. “He is an exceptional leader with incredible experience growing promising regional brands into beloved national concepts while protecting and building upon their unique cultures.”

“Kevin shares the values that have brought us this far, including an unwavering commitment to our community, our team, and our vendor partners,” added Mendocino Farms Co-Founder Ellen Chen. “His creativity, vision, and alignment with our culture will be crucial as we bring the ‘Mendo’ experience to more communities.”

Miles most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Zoë’s Kitchen, where he played an instrumental role in accelerating the restaurant’s growth while strengthening its outstanding cultural reputation, helping to expand its footprint from 21 to 268 locations and leading the company through a successful IPO during his 9-year tenure. Prior to Zoë’s, he held leadership roles with brands including Pollo Campero USA, Aramark, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, and La Madeliene French Bakery and Café. In his new role, Miles will oversee all aspects of Mendocino Farms’ growth strategy and operations, including expansion outside the brand’s core California market.

“Kevin is an exceptional operator with a proven ability to build and scale dynamic restaurant concepts,” said Chris Kelly of Mendocino Farms investor TPG Growth. “His appointment marks a key milestone in Mendocino Farms’ journey, and we’re very pleased to welcome him aboard.”

“Mendocino Farms has earned its outstanding reputation and strong brand affinity by building authentic relationships with its local communities and investing in an innovative chef-driven menu, an elevated and engaging dining experience, and best-in-class hospitality driven by a robust training program,” said Miles. “I’m excited to work with the Mendocino Farms and TPG Growth teams to accelerate this strong momentum as we create new gathering places in neighborhoods across California, Texas, and beyond.”

Mendocino Farms now operates 27 restaurant locations across California and most recently opened their first of several locations planned for Houston, Texas. With a focus on mindful sourcing, each location partners with local farmers and food artisans to offer a dynamic menu of compelling sandwiches and salads that changes with the seasons. With industry-leading sales per square foot, a robust charitable giving program, and stellar ratings on guest review sites like Yelp, the brand aspires to create some of the best-loved eateries in the communities it serves.

About Mendocino Farms

Co-founded in Downtown Los Angeles by husband-and-wife team Mario Del Pero and Ellen Chen in 2005, Mendocino Farms has since attracted the attention of millions of discerning foodies and investments from Whole Foods Market and TPG Growth. The thriving restaurant group offers a unique, chef-driven perspective on sandwiches and salads and emphasizes premium, locally-sourced ingredients served with white tablecloth hospitality. With a strong focus on three core values—creating neighborhood gathering places, “selling happy” to guests, and supporting deserving local farmers and food artisans—“Mendo” (as the brand’s loyal fans call it) is an original pioneer of the Premium Fast Casual movement, disrupting the casual dining segment by connecting guests to superior ingredients within a framework of elevated service and beautiful restaurant design (including family-friendly details like kids’ corners with chalkboard walls, pint-sized communal tables, cornhole courts, and foosball tables). For more information visit www.MendocinoFarms.com.

About TPG Growth

TPG Growth is the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, the global alternative asset firm. With approximately $14 billion of assets under management, TPG Growth targets investments in a broad range of industries and geographies. TPG Growth has the deep sector knowledge, operational resources, and global experience to drive value creation, and help companies reach their full potential. The firm is backed by the resources of TPG, which has more than $108 billion of assets under management. For more information, visit www.tpg.com.