Our Story

About Costa Vida

Discover the passion, flavors, and people behind the fresh Mexican grill that has been bringing bold, authentic taste to the United States since day one.

Costa Vida restaurant interior with vibrant atmosphere
Est. 2004 — Colorado Springs

The Costa Vida Story — Bold Flavors, Real Roots

Costa Vida was born from a simple belief: food should be made with love, served fresh, and crafted from ingredients you can actually pronounce. What started as a single restaurant in Colorado Springs, CO has grown into a beloved destination for those who crave authentic Mexican-inspired cuisine that nourishes both body and soul.

The name costa vida — meaning "coastal life" in Spanish — captures our spirit perfectly. It's about savoring every moment, embracing bold flavors, and gathering around food that brings people together. From our slow-roasted pork to our hand-rolled tortillas, every dish carries that promise.

Our team has spent years perfecting recipes that balance tradition with creativity. We source fresh produce, responsibly raised meats, and quality ingredients to ensure every plate at costavida is something worth coming back for.

Fresh Ingredients Daily
Bold Authentic Flavors
Made with Love
Community Focused
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20+ Years of Flavor
50K+ Happy Guests
100% Fresh Ingredients
30+ Menu Items

Mission, Vision & Promise

Every decision we make — from sourcing to serving — is guided by our core mission and an unwavering commitment to our guests.

Our Mission

To serve bold, fresh Mexican-inspired food that fuels real life — made from scratch every day, in every location, for every guest who walks through our doors.

Our Vision

To be the most loved fresh Mexican grill in the United States — a place where community gathers, flavors inspire, and every meal feels like a celebration of coastal life.

Our Promise

We promise that every item on our menu is prepared fresh daily — no shortcuts, no preservatives, no compromises. Real food, real flavor, real Costa Vida.

Our Core Values

Freshness First

We never compromise on the quality or freshness of our ingredients. Every tortilla is hand-rolled, every salsa freshly made, every bowl built to order.

Community at Heart

Costa Vida exists because of the communities we serve. We support local suppliers, give back to neighborhoods, and make every guest feel like family.

Excellence in Every Bite

Whether it's a burrito or a bowl, we hold every plate to the highest standard. Excellence isn't occasional — it's our baseline, every single day.

Sustainable Practices

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and eco-friendly packaging choices.

Fresh Costa Vida ingredients and bold flavors prepared in kitchen

"We believe food made with integrity tastes better — and we prove it every day."

The Costa Vida Timeline

From a single location in Colorado Springs to a growing family of restaurants, here's how our story has unfolded.

2004

The First Grill Opens

Costa Vida opened its first restaurant at 122 Tracker Dr, Colorado Springs, CO — serving hand-crafted burritos, tacos, and fresh salsas to a hungry neighborhood.

2007

Menu Expansion

We introduced our beloved Sweet Pork Salad, Mango Habanero Shrimp, and our signature agua fresca lineup — dishes that quickly became fan favorites across the state.

2011

Regional Award Winner

Costa Vida earned its first "Best Fresh Mexican" award from Colorado Springs' dining critics, validating years of hard work and commitment to quality ingredients.

2015

Catering & Events Launch

We launched our full-service catering program, bringing the Costa Vida experience to weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings across Colorado.

2019

Going Green Initiative

We transitioned to fully compostable packaging, partnered with local organic farms, and pledged to eliminate single-use plastics from all our operations.

2023

Online Ordering Launch

Costa Vida launched its full online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests across the United States to enjoy fresh Mexican grill delivered to their door.

2025 & Beyond

Growing the Family

With a franchise program now open, Costa Vida is expanding its fresh Mexican grill mission to new communities — carrying the same bold flavors and real ingredients to more tables.

Meet Our Team

Costa Vida is only as great as the people who show up every day with passion, creativity, and dedication to serving you the very best.

Founder & Head Chef

Marcus Rivera

With 20+ years of culinary experience and deep roots in Mexican coastal cuisine, Marcus created Costa Vida to share authentic flavors with his Colorado community.

Executive Chef

Sofia Mendez

Sofia is the creative force behind Costa Vida's seasonal menu innovations. Her culinary philosophy centers on bold spices, fresh produce, and recipes passed down through generations.

Operations Manager

James Carter

James ensures every Costa Vida location runs with precision, warmth, and consistency. His background in hospitality management has shaped our culture of exceptional service.

Head of Catering

Priya Sharma

Priya brings the Costa Vida experience to events of all sizes — from intimate dinners to large-scale corporate gatherings — with meticulous planning and a personal touch.

Taste the Difference for Yourself

Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a passion for real food — that's the Costa Vida promise. Ready to experience it?