Kevin Miles has been named CEO of Mendocino Farms, the Los Angeles-based fast-casual chain said Tuesday.
Miles, who replaces Harald Herrmann in the role, is the former CEO of Zoës Kitchen, where he served for nine years, growing that chain from 21 to 268 locations and through an initial public offering. Before joining Zoës, he held leadership roles at Pollo Campero USA, Aramark, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill and La Madelaine French Bakery and Café. Herrmann will join the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, according to Mendocino Farms.
In his new role at Mendocino Farms, Miles will oversee the 27-unit chain’s growth strategy and operations, including expansion outside the home market of California.
“We are thrilled that Kevin has joined the Mendocino Farms family,” the chain’s co-founder Mario Del Pero said in a statement. “He is an exceptional leader with incredible experience growing promising regional brands into beloved national concepts while protecting and building upon their unique cultures.”
Mendocino Farms co-founder Ellen Chen added, “Kevin shares the values that have brought us this far, including an unwavering commitment to our community, our team and our vendor partners. His creativity, vision and alignment with our culture will be crucial as we bring the ‘Mendo’ experience to more communities.”
Known for premium salads and sandwiches, most of Mendo’s locations are in California, but the chain recently debuted the first of several planned for Houston. Del Pero and Chen founded the chain in Los Angeles in 2005, and the concept won an investment from TPG Growth in 2017.
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