Co-Founder & CEO
Marcus Rivera
With 25 years in the restaurant industry, Marcus leads Costa Vida with an unwavering commitment to freshness and community impact.
Our Story
Passion Served
On Every Plate
We're more than a restaurant — we're a family dedicated to bringing authentic, vibrant Mexican flavors to your table with love, freshness, and a whole lot of heart.
2004
Founded
in Lehi, UT
in Lehi, UT
Our Story
From a Family Kitchen
to Your Community
Costa Vida was born from a simple dream — to share the bold, sun-soaked flavors of coastal Mexico with everyone who walked through our doors. Our founders, driven by a love for fresh ingredients and genuine hospitality, opened our first location in Lehi, Utah in 2004.
What started as a neighborhood favorite quickly blossomed into a beloved brand recognized for its commitment to quality, freshness, and community. Every tortilla is hand-pressed, every sauce is made from scratch, and every guest is treated like family.
- Hand-pressed tortillas made fresh daily
- Locally sourced produce whenever possible
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- Family-friendly dining for every occasion
20+
Years of Flavor
50+
Locations
1M+
Happy Guests
100%
Fresh Ingredients
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Purpose
Everything we do is guided by a clear mission: to nourish communities with authentic, fresh Mexican food that brings people together.
Fresh First
We source the freshest ingredients possible, prioritizing local farms and seasonal produce to deliver food that's as good for you as it tastes.
Community Roots
We believe food builds bridges. Every location is deeply embedded in its community, supporting local events, schools, and neighborhood initiatives.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Warmth and kindness are baked into everything we do.
Cultural Respect
We honor the rich culinary traditions of Mexico with authenticity and deep respect, celebrating the vibrant culture behind every recipe we serve.
Our Journey
A Flavorful History
From a single kitchen in Lehi to a growing national brand — here's how Costa Vida grew one burrito at a time.
The First Location Opens
Costa Vida opens its doors in Lehi, Utah with a menu of fresh burritos, salads, and hand-pressed tortillas. The community falls in love instantly.
2004
2007
Expanding Across Utah
Growing demand leads to 10 new locations across Utah, with each restaurant bringing the same warmth and freshness to new neighborhoods.
Going National
Costa Vida crosses state lines, opening locations in Idaho, Nevada, and Colorado. Our fresh Mexican food finds fans coast to coast.
2011
2015
Catering Program Launched
We introduce our full-service catering program, bringing fresh Costa Vida flavors to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of all sizes.
Online Ordering & App
Costa Vida goes digital with a seamless online ordering platform and mobile app, making it easier than ever to enjoy fresh Mexican food your way.
2019
2024
20 Years & Growing Strong
We celebrate two decades of fresh flavors, 50+ locations, and over one million satisfied guests — with many more milestones still to come.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team of culinary experts and hospitality professionals work every day to ensure your Costa Vida experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Head Chef & Culinary Director
Sofia Mendez
A classically trained chef who grew up in Oaxaca, Sofia brings authentic regional Mexican techniques and deep cultural knowledge to every dish.
Operations Director
James Kwon
James ensures every Costa Vida location delivers a consistent, outstanding experience — from supply chain logistics to guest satisfaction.
Community & Events Manager
Amara Thompson
Amara builds the heart of Costa Vida beyond our walls — managing catering events, community partnerships, and local outreach programs.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that shape every decision we make and every plate we serve.
Freshness Without Compromise
We never cut corners on ingredients. Fresh, real food isn't a selling point — it's our standard. Every single day.
Integrity in Every Interaction
We do the right thing — with our guests, our suppliers, our team members, and our communities. Always.
Continuous Innovation
We love tradition, but we never stop evolving. From new menu items to smarter operations, we're always looking forward.
Home in Every Bite
We want every guest to feel the warmth of home — comfortable, cared for, and completely satisfied every time they visit.
4.9
Guest Rating
