Born From a Love of Food
Costa Vida was founded on a simple belief: fresh, handcrafted Mexican food should be accessible to everyone, prepared with real ingredients and real care.
From our humble beginnings in Salt Lake City, Utah, we've grown into a beloved destination for anyone craving bold, authentic flavors. Every burrito, taco, and salad we serve reflects our commitment to quality — sourced locally wherever possible and never compromised.
The costavida experience is about more than just a meal. It's about warmth, community, and the joy of sharing something truly delicious. We take pride in every plate, knowing it carries our name and our promise.
The Values That Drive Us
Everything we do at Costa Vida is guided by a core set of values that shape our food, our service, and our culture.
Freshness First
We source the finest, freshest ingredients every day. No shortcuts, no compromises — just real food made with care and respect for quality.
Passion in Every Bite
Our kitchen team approaches every dish with genuine passion. We believe food made with love tastes better, and we prove it with every order.
Community Focused
Costa Vida is built on relationships — with our guests, our suppliers, and our neighbors. We give back to the communities that support us.
Bold Authenticity
We honor the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine while bringing our own bold, creative energy to every recipe. Authentic flavor, reimagined.
A Timeline of Flavor & Growth
From a single location in Salt Lake City to a beloved brand across the United States — here's how the Costa Vida story unfolded.
The Beginning
Costa Vida opens its first location in Salt Lake City, Utah with a small but dedicated team and a big vision: fresh Mexican food done right.
Growing the Menu
We expand our menu offerings, introducing fan-favorite items including our signature sweet pork burritos and fresh mango salsa, cementing the costavida identity.
Regional Expansion
Rapid growth across the Mountain West region, with new locations opening to enthusiastic reception from communities hungry for bold, fresh flavors.
Award-Winning Recognition
Costa Vida earns regional recognition for culinary excellence, appearing in top food publications and earning loyal fans across the United States.
Adapting & Thriving
We launch online ordering and streamlined delivery services, ensuring our guests can enjoy Costa Vida favorites from the comfort of their homes.
Today & Beyond
With thousands of loyal guests and a growing family of team members, Costa Vida continues to serve up bold, fresh Mexican food with passion, pride, and heart.
The People Behind Every Plate
Our talented, passionate team is the heart and soul of Costa Vida. Every dish is a reflection of their dedication and craft.
Marco Rivera
Head ChefWith 18 years of culinary experience, Marco brings authentic Mexican heritage to every dish, balancing tradition with bold modern creativity.
Sofia Mendez
Operations ManagerSofia ensures every Costa Vida location runs smoothly, maintaining the high standards of freshness and service our guests love.
James Carter
Guest Experience LeadJames is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for every Costa Vida guest, turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans of fresh Mexican food.
Elena Torres
Culinary DirectorElena oversees recipe development and ingredient sourcing for Costa Vida, ensuring every new menu item lives up to our promise of bold, fresh flavors.