ezCater, the leading food technology platform for workplaces in the United States, has announced a new partnership with Mendocino Farms, a fast-growing restaurant brand known for its gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and flavorful sides. With this collaboration, Mendocino Farms joins ezCater’s extensive network of restaurants, making its popular menu available for delivery to offices and workplaces across the country.
The announcement comes in response to increasing demand from West Coast organizations for workplace meals that feature both high-quality ingredients and flexible options to serve diverse teams. All 83 Mendocino Farms locations are now integrated into the ezCater platform, giving employers and office managers the ability to order directly for workplace events, team lunches, and large gatherings.
Meeting Guests Where They Are
For Mendocino Farms, the decision to join ezCater reflects a broader strategy to reach customers beyond the restaurant walls. Kevin Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Mendocino Farms, explained that workplace catering allows the brand to expand its reach and strengthen its reputation as a go-to destination for quality food.
“Our guests want more ways to enjoy Mendocino Farms. ezCater helps us meet them where they are and bring our gourmet sandwiches and salads to the workplace,” Miles said. “The business catering channel enables us to efficiently grow our business by preparing large orders during off-peak hours, all while upholding the exceptional in-store hospitality our guests expect.”
This move highlights the growing importance of catering in the restaurant industry, particularly as companies continue to rethink the role of food in the workplace. With many organizations seeking ways to boost employee engagement, support hybrid work schedules, and create shared moments at the office, high-quality catering solutions have become a valued resource.
A Menu Built for Workplace Needs
One of the strongest appeals of Mendocino Farms’ menu is its flexibility in accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions. Workplaces are increasingly diverse, and food choices must reflect that reality. According to ezCater data, more than 50% of workplace orders placed on the platform so far this year include at least one item that meets a dietary need such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, or kosher.
Mendocino Farms’ menu is particularly well-suited to this demand. Among the most popular offerings is the brand’s signature “Foodie Package,” which provides a curated mix of sandwiches, salads, and sides designed to satisfy groups of varying sizes and tastes. For teams that prefer individualized options, Mendocino Farms also offers its “Box Lunches,” which can be customized to include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items.
By providing a wide range of options, Mendocino Farms ensures that every team member can enjoy the meal, regardless of dietary restrictions. This inclusivity has made the brand a favorite among corporate customers who are tasked with the challenge of feeding large groups while keeping everyone happy.
Expanding Reach Through Workplace Channels
For ezCater, bringing Mendocino Farms onto the platform represents more than just expanding restaurant offerings—it strengthens the company’s mission of connecting workplaces with food they love. Cindy Klein Roche, Chief Growth Officer at ezCater, emphasized the importance of the partnership for both sides.
“The Mendocino Farms menu is tailored to serve groups of any size while effortlessly accommodating a wide range of dietary needs. We are thrilled to welcome such a reliable and beloved brand to ezCater,” Klein Roche said. “Our relationship unlocks a powerful new channel for Mendocino Farms to grow its business by reaching valuable workplace customers and capturing large orders they couldn’t find elsewhere.”
This collaboration also underlines how catering platforms can serve as critical growth engines for restaurants. By tapping into the workplace market, restaurants can capture large-volume orders that might otherwise go to national chains with established catering programs. For brands like Mendocino Farms, known for their quality and local roots, ezCater provides a bridge to scale their catering business without losing the personal connection they’ve built with customers.
The Ripple Effect of Workplace Food Experiences
Another important factor driving this collaboration is the marketing potential embedded in workplace catering. According to ezCater data, 70% of employees who first try a restaurant through workplace catering will later order from that same restaurant on their own. This creates a ripple effect: a single workplace order doesn’t just feed dozens of employees—it also introduces the brand to potential long-term customers who may visit outside of work.
The average order on ezCater serves about 25 people. While one individual typically places the order, dozens of employees experience the food firsthand. For Mendocino Farms, this represents an invaluable opportunity to expand awareness and create new fans in markets where the brand is already established.
As companies look for ways to make in-office experiences more meaningful, food has become a critical tool. Whether it’s a team lunch, a client meeting, or a company celebration, meals have the power to bring people together. By partnering with ezCater, Mendocino Farms positions itself at the center of this trend, offering not only nourishment but also moments of connection.
Strengthening the Role of Food in Work Culture
The partnership also highlights a broader trend in workplace culture. Employers increasingly recognize that providing food in the office is more than a perk—it is a tool for collaboration, retention, and employee well-being. A thoughtfully chosen meal can encourage employees to gather in common spaces, foster conversations across teams, and strengthen company culture.
Mendocino Farms, with its focus on fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients and chef-driven recipes, is well positioned to meet this need. Its menu combines creativity with approachability, ensuring meals feel both special and satisfying. By extending these experiences to workplaces, the brand deepens its role as not just a restaurant, but a partner in helping companies create community at work.
