Another California business coming to Fort Worth is sure to tickle TCU students’ taste buds.
Mendocino Farms, a Los Angeles-based sandwich and salad restaurant, is opening off University Drive, according to state licensing documents. The fast casual deli already has six locations in the Dallas area, but this will be the first in Tarrant County.
The Mendocino Farms menu consists of fresh and healthy meals with sandwiches made from locally sourced bread and abundantly dressed salads, any of which can be served as a wrap — think similar to Fort Worth’s Sour Boule or The Lunch Box.
Popular in Dallas are Mendocino Farms’ “not so fried” chicken sandwich with a mustard pickle slaw, and a chimichurri steak and bacon sandwich. It also serves classic clubs on sourdough, and caprese and chicken parm sandwiches.
The new digs will open in the new phase of Westbend shopping center.
When will Mendocino Farms open in Fort Worth?
According to state licensing documents, Mendocino Farms will be around 3,200 square feet with a patio, located at 1701 S. University Drive.
New York-based Maman Bakery and Cafe is also slated for a space at 1701 South University. This cafe is known for freshly baked pastries, quiches, sandwiches, salads and specialty tea and coffee drinks. Oprah Winfrey has listed its nutty chocolate chip cookies on her favorite things list, and Martha Stewart has an ongoing collaboration with the brand.
Maman and Mendocino Farms have estimated construction completion dates for March 2027.
A rending of new development at Westbend, which could double the plaza’s retail space and add 300 apartments. Merriman Anderson Architects Westbend phase II developments
Mendocino Farms and Maman are only a drop in the larger ocean that is the $82 million Westbend development. This is an expansion of the $53 million first phase of Westbend that was completed in 2016.
This second phase would add 321 units of multifamily housing, 5,500 square feet of commercial space and double the existing retail space.
Construction has already begun on the seven-story complex called “Westbend Residences” with an intended completion date for June 2027.
The first phase is located along the Trinity River at 1701 River Run off South University Avenue. The second phase is located on 3.5 acres along the Trinity Trails at 1701 South University Drive.
Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.