Ellen Chen

After graduating with a degree in economics from UCSD, Ellen became a consultant for the prestigious Accenture Consulting firm where she facilitated the growth initiatives and improvements for top Fortune 100 companies. She honed her business acumen at the marketing firm of Suissa Miller and at dot-com start-up Target Marketing Interactive. After being part of the internet success of the 1990s, Ellen Chen met Mario Del Pero and invested in his restaurant, Skew’s Teriyaki, which was one of the first fast-casual Asian concepts. Together, they grew Skew’s to three units in Los Angeles before selling the company in 2001.

Determined to lead through empowerment and build a thriving business from just a good idea and a lot of passion, they created Mendocino Farms and opened their first unit on Bunker Hill in Downtown Los Angeles in 2005. Since then, Mendocino Farms restaurants have opened fifteen additional locations in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties taking their place as one of the most-loved and highest-grossing sales-per-square-foot restaurants in the neighborhoods they serve. After receiving an investment from private equity firm L Catterton, and a minority investment from Whole Foods Market, Mendocino Farms is preparing to grow to 25 units by 2018.

Ellen continues to offer the restaurant group a big business perspective with an entrepreneur’s passion. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News included her on its annual Power List, which recognizes the top 50 leaders who have changed the restaurant industry. She sits on the Board of Directors of the California Restaurant Association and Fast Casual Industry Council. She is also on the Advisory Board of the Golden Rule Charity.