Philz Coffee Taps Industry Veteran Mark Johnson as Retail COO

Johnson transitions to Philz after a 12-year tenure at California Fish Grill, where he was instrumental in the company’s national expansion. His new role focuses on the daily mechanics of the brand’s retail operations, tasked with balancing rapid growth against the high standards of guest experience that define the chain. He joins a senior leadership team that includes Chief Business Officer Andy Mai and Chief Development Officer Patti Nelson, both of whom joined the company in 2022 to oversee business strategy and real estate development respectively.

CEO Mahesh Sadarangani cited Johnson’s operational expertise as a critical component for the brand’s future. Philz Coffee currently operates more than 80 locations across California and Chicago, alongside a growing e-commerce and wholesale presence. By consolidating leadership under this trio, the company aims to scale its roasting and retail infrastructure without diluting the personal connection central to its identity.