About Costa Vida
We are passionate about delivering fresh, bold Mexican food crafted daily in United States — bringing people together one delicious meal at a time.
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The Costa Vida Story
Costa Vida was born from a simple but powerful belief: that fresh Mexican food, made with real ingredients and bold flavors, deserves to be accessible to everyone. Founded in 2003 in Orem, Utah, our journey began with a small kitchen, a passionate team, and a menu that honored the vibrant traditions of coastal Mexico.
The word costavida — meaning "coastal life" in Spanish — captures everything we stand for. We believe meals should feel alive, vibrant, and full of character. From our signature slow-roasted meats to our house-made salsas and freshly pressed tortillas, every dish tells a story of care and commitment.
Today, Costa Vida serves communities across the United States, staying true to our roots while constantly innovating to bring you the freshest, most flavorful experience possible. Every location carries the same spirit that defined us from day one.
View MenuOur Mission & Vision
At Costa Vida, our mission is to nourish communities with fresh, made-to-order Mexican food crafted from quality ingredients. We strive to be more than a restaurant — we aim to be a gathering place.
Fresh Every Day
We prep every ingredient fresh each morning. No shortcuts, no frozen shortcuts — just real food made with care from scratch daily.
Made with Heart
Every meal we serve carries the passion and commitment of our team. We believe great food starts with great people who genuinely care.
Community First
We are proud to serve our local communities across the United States, supporting families and building lasting connections through food.
Sustainably Minded
We are committed to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices, working with suppliers who share our respect for the environment.
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make — from how we source our ingredients to how we treat our guests and team members each and every day.
Integrity
We do the right thing, always — for our guests, our team, and our communities.
Passion
We bring genuine enthusiasm and love to every dish and every interaction.
Innovation
We constantly explore new flavors and ideas while honoring our authentic roots.
Respect
We honor diversity in our ingredients, our people, and the guests we serve.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standard in food quality, service, and experience.
Responsibility
We take our role in the community seriously and give back wherever we can.
History & Milestones
From a single restaurant in Orem to a beloved brand across the United States — here are the moments that shaped Costa Vida into what it is today.
The First Restaurant Opens
Costa Vida opens its very first location at 1621 N State St in Orem, Utah. A small team with big dreams starts serving fresh coastal Mexican food to the local community.
Menu Expansion & Recipe Innovation
We expand our menu to include signature slow-roasted meats, house-made salsas, and freshly pressed tortillas — recipes that become instant fan favorites.
Franchise Program Launches
Costa Vida launches its franchise program, allowing passionate entrepreneurs across the United States to bring the costavida experience to their communities.
50 Locations Milestone
We celebrate our 50th restaurant opening, marking a decade of growth and a testament to the loyalty of our incredible guests nationwide.
Sustainability Commitment
Costa Vida formalizes its sustainability pledge — committing to responsible sourcing, reduced waste, and eco-friendly packaging across all locations.
Online Ordering & Delivery Launch
We launch online ordering and delivery services, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy fresh Mexican food wherever they are across the United States.
Today & Beyond
Costa Vida continues to grow, innovate, and serve communities across the country — staying true to the founding vision of fresh, bold, made-with-heart Mexican food.
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team is the heart of Costa Vida. Every day they bring energy, creativity, and genuine care to every plate they serve.
Marcus Torres
With 18 years of culinary experience across Mexico and the U.S., Marcus crafts the bold, authentic recipes that define the Costa Vida menu.
Sofia Ramirez
Sofia oversees day-to-day operations across all Costa Vida locations, ensuring every guest experience is seamless, warm, and consistent.
Daniel Park
Daniel leads our ingredient sourcing efforts, building relationships with trusted farmers and suppliers who share our standards for quality.
Elena Voss
Elena champions the guest experience at Costa Vida, turning every visit into a memorable moment of hospitality, warmth, and genuine connection.
Interested in joining the Costa Vida family?
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