Our Story

About Costa Vida

We're passionate about crafting fresh, vibrant food that brings people together. Discover the heart behind every dish we serve across the United States.

Costa Vida restaurant interior with fresh food preparation

20+ Years of fresh food excellence

Who We Are

The Costa Vida Story

Costa Vida was born from a simple belief: that fresh, vibrant food made with genuine care can transform an ordinary meal into something truly memorable. Founded in Bountiful, Utah, our journey began in a modest kitchen with a bold vision — to bring the bright, coastal flavors of Latin America to every table in the United States.

The costavida concept — meaning "coastal life" — reflects our commitment to ingredients that are as alive and lively as the ocean breeze. From hand-crafted salsas to slow-simmered proteins, every component of our menu is prepared fresh daily. We believe food should be honest, wholesome, and made without shortcuts.

What started as a single location has grown into a family of restaurants serving communities across the country. Yet despite our growth, the spirit of that original kitchen — the warmth, the care, the dedication to quality — lives on in every bite.

100+ Locations

20+ Years Serving

500K+ Happy Guests

50+ Menu Items

Why We Exist

Our Mission & Promise

Everything we do is guided by a set of core commitments that define how we source, cook, and serve our food.

Fresh Ingredients

We source the freshest produce, meats, and dairy daily. No frozen shortcuts — just real food prepared with care every single morning.

Made With Passion

Every recipe is crafted by chefs who genuinely love what they do. Our food carries that passion in every ingredient and every technique.

Community First

We're proud neighbors. From local sourcing to community events, Costa Vida is deeply invested in the places and people we serve.

Excellence Always

We hold ourselves to the highest standards — in food quality, service, cleanliness, and the overall experience we deliver every day.

Costa Vida dining area showcasing fresh food and warm atmosphere

What Drives Us

Our Core Values

At Costa Vida, our values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every decision we make, from menu development to how we treat our team and guests.

Integrity in Every Ingredient

We're transparent about what goes into our food. No artificial preservatives, no misleading labels — just honest, wholesome ingredients you can trust.

Respect for Our Guests

Every guest who walks through our doors deserves to be treated with warmth and attentiveness. We listen, we adapt, and we go the extra mile.

Sustainability Matters

We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint — from eco-friendly packaging to responsible sourcing from local farms and suppliers.

Growth Through People

Our team members are our greatest asset. We invest in training, fair wages, and a positive culture that helps everyone grow and thrive.

Our Journey

A History of Fresh Food

From a single restaurant in Utah to a nationwide costavida movement — here's how our story unfolded.

2003 — The Beginning

First Restaurant Opens

Costa Vida opens its first location in Bountiful, Utah. With a small team and a big dream, we set out to redefine fast-casual dining with fresh, Latin-inspired flavors.

2007 — Rapid Expansion

Growing Across Utah

Fueled by enthusiastic guests and word-of-mouth, we expanded to 15 locations across Utah. Our signature burritos and fresh salsas became local legends.

2011 — Going National

Franchise Program Launches

We introduced our franchise model, empowering passionate entrepreneurs to bring the Costa Vida experience to communities across the United States.

2016 — Menu Innovation

New Dishes & Digital Ordering

We revamped our menu with exciting new items including grain bowls and fresh salads, and launched online ordering to serve our guests wherever they are.

2020 — Resilience

Adapting & Innovating

Like all businesses, we faced unprecedented challenges. We adapted with enhanced safety protocols, contactless ordering, and expanded delivery partnerships to keep serving our communities.

2024 — Today

100+ Locations Nationwide

With over 100 locations across the United States and a thriving catering division, Costa Vida continues to grow — always staying true to our fresh food roots.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Our leadership team brings decades of culinary expertise and passion for fresh food to every aspect of the Costa Vida experience.

Marcus Reyes

Founder & CEO

Marcus founded Costa Vida with a vision of bringing coastal Latin flavors to the United States. His passion for fresh food and community has guided the brand for over two decades.

Sofia Mendez

Head Chef & Culinary Director

With a background in Latin American cuisine and formal culinary training, Sofia leads our recipe development and ensures every menu item meets our rigorous fresh food standards.

Derek Chan

Chief Operations Officer

Derek oversees day-to-day operations across all locations, ensuring that every restaurant upholds the Costa Vida standard of excellence and consistent quality.

Alicia Torres

Director of Community Engagement

Alicia champions the relationships that matter most — with guests, local farmers, and the communities we serve. She leads our sustainability and outreach initiatives.

Taste the Costa Vida Difference

Now that you know our story, come experience it firsthand. Fresh, vibrant food made with heart — ready for you to enjoy.

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