Mendocino Farms’ expansion plans in the 818 continue to grow. The sustainable, eco-friendly, “farm-to-table” brand, which most recently opened in Sherman Oaks, is set to open in Westlake Village at the end of 2014. The eatery will be part of a larger remodel of a shopping complex anchored by Gelson’s at Westlake Boulevard and Agoura Road, which will also include Pitfire Pizza, Le Pain Quotidien and Pressed Juicery. Founder (and Chief Sandwich Creator) Mario Del Pero says he is also in “talks” about locations in Toluca Lake and Woodland Hills.

“The Westlake store is going to really pay homage to the city of Westlake Village,” says Mario. “We have found some great old pics of farmers in the community, and the location itself has a proud history of housing Jack’s Deli for decades.”

He describes the design as combining the “Mendo” look with a farmhouse Westlake vibe. “We really want to be a gathering place for the community,” furthers Mario.

Along with the expansion are upcoming menu changes in June. The Santa Monica Chinese Chicken Salad, Summer Cubano Sandwich (with house-made mojo sauce) and tempeh vegan bacon and avocado sandwich (house-smoked tempeh using pecan wood) are all making a comeback.

Mario reports that the biggest addition ever to the “Mendo” menu will happen in August with the new 12-hour house-smoked pastrami. “We are one of the few restaurants in the entire country to make our pastrami in-house, using hardwood smoke and the traditional method of curing the meat,” says Mario. “We are really proud of this product, and the feedback we have been getting from guests is telling us that we really have something special to share with a city that loves its pastrami.”

Mendocino Farms currently has seven locations in downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Marina Del Rey and Sherman Oaks. There is a branch in Costa Mesa opening soon. mendocinofarms.com