Marcus Rivera
Founder & Executive Chef
With over 20 years crafting coastal cuisine, Marcus brings the soulful flavors of the Pacific to every dish. His philosophy: fresh ingredients, bold technique, zero compromise.
Our Story
About Costa Vida — Fresh Food, Bold Vision
Costa Vida was founded on a simple belief: that fresh, vibrant food can transform your day. From our kitchen to your table, we bring bold coastal flavors and the costavida spirit to every meal we serve across the United States.
15+
Years of
Fresh Food
Fresh Food
Our Story
Born From a Love of Fresh, Vibrant Flavors
Costa Vida began with a dream — to bring the vibrant, sun-drenched cuisine of the coast to communities across the United States. Our founders believed that every meal should feel like a celebration: colorful, nourishing, and made with genuine care for every ingredient.
What started as a single location in Salt Lake City has grown into a beloved food destination, known for its commitment to freshness and the unmistakable costavida energy that infuses everything we do. From hand-crafted sauces to locally sourced produce, every detail matters to us.
Today, Costa Vida continues to honor that founding spirit — connecting people through food, creating moments of joy, and bringing bold coastal flavors to the heart of everyday life.
2009
Year Founded
50K+
Happy Guests
30+
Menu Items
What Drives Us
Our Mission, Vision & Promise
Three pillars guide every decision we make — from how we source ingredients to how we welcome every guest through our door.
Our Mission
To serve bold, fresh food that energizes people and brings coastal joy to every community we call home. We believe nourishing meals should be accessible, vibrant, and always made with heart.
Our Vision
To become the most loved fresh food brand in the United States — a place where guests feel the warmth of genuine hospitality and leave inspired to live a more vibrant, flavorful life.
Our Promise
Every dish that leaves our kitchen carries our promise: real ingredients, prepared with care, served with a smile. The costavida experience is one you can taste in every single bite.
How We Got Here
Our Journey Through the Years
Every great story has milestones. Here's a look at the key moments that shaped Costa Vida into what it is today.
2009
The First Kitchen Opens
Costa Vida opens its doors in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a small team, a big dream, and a menu built around fresh coastal flavors that immediately win the hearts of locals.
2013
Growing the Costavida Community
Inspired by overwhelming community support, we expand our reach and introduce our beloved catering program, bringing the costavida experience to private events and gatherings.
2017
Menu Innovation & Fresh Sourcing
We overhaul our sourcing standards, partnering with regional farms to ensure every ingredient meets our freshness promise. New seasonal dishes are introduced that become instant fan favorites.
2020
Adapting With Resilience
Facing global challenges, Costa Vida launches its online ordering platform and contactless service — keeping our community fed and our team employed through one of the most difficult periods in history.
2024
A New Chapter Begins
With a refreshed brand identity and an expanded digital presence, Costa Vida enters its next era — bringing fresh food, bold flavors, and the vibrant spirit of the coast to more guests than ever before.
The People Behind the Food
Meet the Costa Vida Team
Our team is the heart of everything we do. Passionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to making every visit unforgettable.
Sofia Chen
Head of Operations
Sofia ensures every guest experience at Costa Vida is seamless and memorable. Her eye for detail and passion for hospitality keep our team running at its very best.
James Okafor
Sourcing & Sustainability
James builds the relationships with local farms and suppliers that make our freshness promise possible. He champions sustainable practices from field to fork every single day.
Priya Mendez
Creative Director
Priya brings the visual soul of Costa Vida to life — from our plating aesthetics to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that guests feel the moment they walk through our door.
What We Stand For
The Values at Our Core
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every plate we serve and every relationship we build.
Freshness First
We source the freshest produce daily and never compromise on ingredient quality. Fresh food isn't a marketing claim — it's our non-negotiable foundation.
Community Connection
Costa Vida exists because of our community. We invest in local partnerships, support neighborhood initiatives, and treat every guest like a neighbor returning home.
Sustainable Practices
From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, we're committed to running a business that respects the planet as much as we respect our guests.
Bold Flavor, Always
We never play it safe with flavor. Our recipes are crafted to excite, surprise, and satisfy — because life's too short for food that doesn't make you feel something.
Made With Heart
Every dish is prepared by people who care deeply. The warmth and effort our team puts into their craft is the secret ingredient you taste in every bite.
Relentless Quality
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do — from food prep to customer service. Quality isn't a goal; it's the baseline we start from every single day.
