Founded with
Heart & Flavor
From a Single Kitchen to a Nationwide Flavor
Cafe Rio was born in 2004 with a simple but powerful belief: that fresh, handcrafted Mexican food made with real ingredients could be fast, affordable, and deeply satisfying. What began as a single location in Salt Lake City, Utah has grown into a celebrated cafe rio experience enjoyed by families, friends, and food lovers across the United States.
The caferio concept was inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of northern Mexico — bold flavors, open kitchens, and the warmth of cooking meals as if every guest were family. Every tortilla is made fresh, every protein slow-cooked, and every salsa crafted in-house daily.
Today, Cafe Rio continues that founding spirit with the same commitment to quality and authenticity that made us beloved from day one. We are proud to be part of communities across the United States, serving meals that matter.
Our Mission
At Cafe Rio, our mission is to enrich lives by serving fresh, handcrafted meals that celebrate the bold spirit of Mexican culinary tradition. We believe that great food should be accessible to everyone — made with care, sourced responsibly, and served with genuine hospitality. Every meal we prepare is a promise: to nourish our guests, honor our roots, and strengthen the communities we call home across the United States.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide every decision, every dish, and every interaction at Cafe Rio.
Freshness First
We make our tortillas, salsas, and proteins from scratch every single day. No shortcuts, no frozen shortcuts — just real, honest ingredients prepared with care.
Genuine Hospitality
We greet every guest like family. Warm smiles, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere are at the heart of the cafe rio dining experience.
Responsible Sourcing
We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical farming and sustainable practices, because what's good for the earth is good for our food.
Community Impact
From local fundraisers to food drives, Cafe Rio actively gives back to the communities that have welcomed us. We are more than a restaurant — we are neighbors.
The Cafe Rio Timeline
Two decades of growth, flavor, and community — here's how the caferio story unfolded.
The First Cafe Rio Opens
Founders open the very first Cafe Rio in St. George, Utah. With fresh tortillas pressed daily and slow-roasted meats, the small restaurant quickly wins loyal fans who line up around the block for a taste of authentic Mexican flavors.
Expanding Across Utah
Driven by overwhelming community demand, Cafe Rio expands to over 20 locations across Utah. The signature Sweet Pork Barbacoa becomes a national sensation, earning the brand its first major food media recognition and a devoted following.
Going National
Cafe Rio crosses state lines in earnest, opening locations across Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, and beyond. The caferio brand becomes a household name for fresh Mexican food in the western United States, beloved by families and adventurous eaters alike.
Catering & Online Ordering Launch
Cafe Rio launches full-service catering for events, weddings, and corporate gatherings, bringing fresh handcrafted Mexican food to celebrations of every size. Online ordering goes live, making it easier than ever to enjoy cafe rio from home or office.
Sustainability Pledge
Cafe Rio launches its landmark Sustainability Pledge — committing to responsibly sourced proteins, compostable packaging, and zero food-waste programs across all locations. The initiative reflects our deep care for the planet and the communities we serve.
160+ Locations & Growing
Celebrating 20 years of fresh food and community, Cafe Rio now operates over 160 locations across the United States with ambitious plans for further growth. The founding promise — great food made fresh, served with heart — remains unchanged.
Meet Our Team
Passionate individuals united by a love of fresh food and genuine hospitality — the heart of the Cafe Rio family.
Marcus Rivera
Founder & CEOMarcus founded Cafe Rio with a vision to bring authentic Mexican flavors to every corner of the United States. His passion for fresh ingredients and community drives everything we do.
Sofia Delgado
Head Chef & Culinary DirectorWith 18 years of culinary expertise rooted in Oaxacan and Sonoran traditions, Sofia crafts the recipes that define the cafe rio flavor — bold, fresh, and unforgettable.
Jordan Kim
Director of OperationsJordan ensures that every one of our 160+ locations delivers the same exceptional Cafe Rio experience. His operational expertise keeps the freshness promise alive at every single visit.
Amara Osei
Community Relations ManagerAmara leads Cafe Rio's community outreach programs, building meaningful connections between our restaurants and the neighborhoods we serve across the United States.
Passionate about food and community? We'd love to have you on our team.
Get in Touch