Felipe Sandoval
Managing Partner
Born in Mexico City, Felipe Sandoval grew up surrounded by restaurants. His first job was at his father, Manuel’s, world-renowned Acapulco restaurant Madeiras in 1980. In 1989 Sandoval became General Manager where he oversaw operations for ten years. In addition during this time, he purchased, renovated, opened, and operated Ristorante Villa Fiore also in Acapulco.
In 1999 he moved to San Francisco to open Maya Restaurant as a Managing Partner with brother, Chef Richard Sandoval. Maya flourished under his leadership, building a reputation as the best Mexican restaurant in the Bay Area after a three star review in the San Francisco Chronicle and excellent write-ups in Gourmet and Bon Appetit.
Sandoval was then named Chief Financial Officer of Modern Mexican Restaurants, which included Maya NY, Maya SF, and Tamayo Denver and helped open Pampano NY, Zengo Denver, and Isla Las Vegas - all receiving outstanding reviews in local and national media outlets. He left Modern Mexican Restaurants in 2006 to concentrate on Maya and the critically-acclaimed Mexico DF Restaurant which he opened in San Francisco in 2007.
Recently, Sandoval joined forces with brothers Alfredo and Patricio to open Mercadito Chicago, the first expansion of Mercadito Restaurants outside of New York City, where he will supervise all financial operations. After the opening of additional locations in Miami, the restaurant group will total six by the close of 2009.
The importance of a strong financial foundation is paramount to the success and longevity of any business. With Patricio’s talent, Alfredo’s drive and Felipe’s financial expertise, the Sandoval brothers are poised to create a lasting impact with Mercadito Restaurants.