When it came to choosing a Newport Beach location for Mendocino Farms, one spot was on COO Steve Mintzer’s wishlist for years: Fashion Island.

“Fashion Island is a dream location for us,” Mintzer says. “It’s a premium retail center, and we’re a premium brand. It’s been a great partnership with Irvine Company.”

The fast-casual chain, known for its loaded salads and sandwiches as well as its stellar customer service, opened its Fashion Island location in Spring 2024. With fresh, from-the-earth ingredients and big, bold flavors for every eating style, Mendocino Farms is proving to be a popular addition for shoppers and nearby office workers.

“From the moment someone enters our restaurant, we want them to have a seamless experience. We want everyone to eat happy.”

Mendocino Farms COO Steve Mintzer

“This is a unique location because it appeals to a wide customer base. It’s ideal for casual foot traffic from shoppers. Our outdoor patio is also a popular destination for nearby office workers who want to enjoy the beautiful weather and be outside on their lunch break. And it’s a natural fit for catering company meals.”

With a generous patio, the space takes full advantage of the Southern California sunshine. Inside, the comfortable dine-in seating invites diiners to linger over a meal. And the wayfinding signage makes it easy for those in a hurry to grab pick-up orders.

“We’re very intentional in space design,” Mintzer says. “From the moment someone enters our restaurant, we want them to have a seamless experience. It’s about offering the best food but also taking care of people. We want everyone to eat happy.”

Mendocino Farms also leases space from Irvine Company for its UC Irvine location.

“Since we’ve worked with Irvine Company in the past, building out the Fashion Island location was straightforward,” Mintzer says. “They knew us and we knew them, and they made everything very easy.”

Mintzer, who grew up nearby, appreciates how welcoming the community has been to Mendocino Farms.

“We have a number of spots around Orange County, but the Fashion Island location is very special for us. It’s the creme de la creme of spaces, and the community has been so gracious. We feel very welcome.”

“Join the herd” and visit Mendocino Farms at Fashion Island.