Operations

How Mendocino Farms is winning the 'Sandwich Wars'

Mendocino Farms CMO Alicia Mowder joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fast-casual chain hit its 100th location while staying true to chef-driven quality, elevated hospitality, and a private-equity partnership that hasn't compromised its brand.

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July 16, 2026

Mendocino Farms CMO Alicia Mowder joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fast-casual chain hit its 100th location while staying true to chef-driven quality, elevated hospitality and a private-equity partnership that hasn't compromised its brand. Hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler dig into the brand's sandwich-versus-salad menu strategy, its guest-survey feedback loop, catering trends and why the chain is intentionally slow-walking kiosks and AI ordering tech.

The episode closes withLoop AI's Casey Hilder unpacking how restaurant operators can separate real AI value from industry hype.