About Costa Vida
Discover the heart behind every dish — how costa vida became a beloved fresh Mexican dining experience across the United States, built on passion, bold flavors, and real ingredients.
Restaurant Since 2010
Flavor
How Costa Vida Came to Life
Costa Vida was born from a simple but powerful belief: that fresh, bold Mexican cuisine made from real, wholesome ingredients could transform the everyday dining experience. Founded in the heart of Utah in 2010, the costavida journey began with two friends who shared a love for the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of coastal Mexico.
From our first small kitchen in American Fork, we hand-crafted every burrito, bowl, and salad with meticulous care. Word spread quickly — neighbors, families, and food lovers sought us out not just for the taste, but for the warmth and authenticity behind every plate. Costa Vida quickly became more than a restaurant; it became a community gathering place.
Today, we continue to honor our founding promise: no shortcuts, no compromises. Every tortilla is made fresh, every sauce crafted in-house, and every ingredient chosen for its quality and story. From farm to table, the costa vida spirit lives in every bite we serve across the United States.
What Drives Everything We Do
At Costa Vida, every decision, every recipe, and every smile is guided by our core commitments to our guests, our team, and our communities.
Our Mission
To nourish people with the freshest, most flavorful Mexican-inspired food — creating moments of joy and connection with every meal we serve, every single day.
Our Vision
To become the most trusted fresh Mexican food brand across the United States — a place where quality, community, and bold costavida flavors are never compromised.
Our Promise
We promise to always source the finest ingredients, cook with passion, treat every guest like family, and never stop improving the costa vida experience you deserve.
The costavida Principles
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the standards we hold ourselves to every time we open our doors and fire up the grill.
Freshness First
We use only the freshest produce and proteins, sourced responsibly and prepared daily for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Made with Love
Every dish is prepared by dedicated team members who take pride in their craft and bring genuine care to every plate.
Community Focus
We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — supporting local farmers, charities, and events that strengthen the fabric of our communities.
Integrity Always
We're transparent about our ingredients, honest with our pricing, and committed to doing what's right — for guests and the planet alike.
Bold Innovation
We honor tradition while embracing creativity — constantly evolving our menu to bring exciting, fresh ideas to the table.
Guest Delight
Your satisfaction drives every decision. We go above and beyond to ensure every visit to Costa Vida exceeds your expectations.
Sustainability
We reduce waste, choose eco-friendly packaging, and partner with sustainable farms — because a healthier planet means better food for everyone.
Excellence Daily
Good enough is never good enough. We pursue excellence in every tortilla pressed, every bowl assembled, and every interaction shared.
The Costa Vida Story Timeline
From humble beginnings to a beloved brand — here's how the costavida story unfolded, one delicious milestone at a time.
The First Location Opens
Costa Vida opens its first restaurant in American Fork, Utah. Two founders with a dream, a small kitchen, and an unwavering passion for fresh Mexican cuisine serve their first guests — and the costavida experience is born.
Signature Menu Established
After two years of refining recipes and listening to our guests, Costa Vida launches its signature menu — featuring the now-iconic Sweet Pork Burrito, Fresh Mango Salsa, and hand-pressed tortillas made from scratch every morning.
Regional Expansion Begins
Driven by overwhelming community support, Costa Vida expands to multiple locations across Utah and neighboring states. Our commitment to freshness and consistency travels with us to every new kitchen we open.
Best Mexican Restaurant Award
Costa Vida earns its first regional "Best Mexican Restaurant" award, recognizing our dedication to quality, freshness, and the authentic costavida spirit that distinguishes us from the competition.
Online Ordering Launches
Embracing technology without sacrificing freshness, Costa Vida launches its online ordering platform — making it even easier for guests across the United States to enjoy the costa vida experience from the comfort of their home.
Delivery Service Introduced
Costa Vida introduces its dedicated delivery service, bringing fresh burritos, bowls, and tacos directly to your door. The costavida experience, now wherever you are — hot, fresh, and always made to order.
50,000 Customers & Growing
Costa Vida celebrates serving over 50,000 happy customers and continues to grow. With an expanded menu, stronger community ties, and the same founding spirit, the best of costa vida is still ahead of us.
The People Behind Every Bite
Meet the passionate individuals who bring the costa vida vision to life every day — from our founders to the chefs who hand-craft your favorite dishes.
Marcus Rivera
The visionary behind Costa Vida's original concept, Marcus brings 20+ years of culinary passion and entrepreneurial spirit to everything the brand does.
Sofia Mendez
Trained in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Sofia is the creative force behind our bold, layered flavor profiles. She develops every new dish with precision and heart.
Daniel Park
Daniel ensures that every Costa Vida location operates with the same high standards — from ingredient sourcing and kitchen flow to staff training and guest satisfaction.
Amara Johnson
Amara is the voice and heart of Costa Vida's community engagement — building relationships with local partners, guests, and the neighborhoods that make us who we are.