Where Fresh Meets Flavor
Costa Vida was born from a simple belief: that fast food doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality, freshness, or flavor. Founded in the heart of the Southwest, the costa vida story began with a handful of dedicated food lovers who wanted to bring the vibrant, coastal Mexican culinary tradition to everyday diners.
Every bowl, burrito, and taco at Costa Vida — costavida — starts with ingredients that are prepared fresh daily. From slow-roasted meats to hand-smashed guacamole and made-from-scratch sauces, we believe every meal should taste like it was made with care. Because it was.
Our Mission, Vision & Promise
Everything we do at Costa Vida is guided by three core pillars that shape how we cook, serve, and grow.
Our Mission
To serve boldly flavored, fresh Mexican food that brings people together — made from real ingredients, cooked with genuine care, and served with warmth every single day.
Our Vision
To become the most loved fresh Mexican grill in the United States — a brand synonymous with quality, community, and the belief that great food should be accessible to everyone.
Our Promise
We promise to never cut corners on ingredients, never rush the process, and always put the guest experience first — from the first bite to the last, every visit to Costa Vida matters.
Our Core Values
These six values are the soul of Costa Vida — they guide every decision we make, from the kitchen to the community.
Freshness First
Every ingredient is sourced fresh and prepped daily. We never use frozen shortcuts — quality starts with what goes into the bowl.
Community First
We are part of the neighborhoods we serve. We give back, hire locally, and build lasting relationships with our guests and neighbors.
Bold Authenticity
We stay true to the roots of coastal Mexican cuisine, bringing genuine flavors and traditional techniques to every dish we craft.
Guest Delight
A great meal is more than food — it is an experience. We train every team member to make every guest feel valued and welcomed.
Sustainability
We make conscious choices to reduce waste, support responsible sourcing, and minimize our environmental footprint across all locations.
Constant Innovation
We never stop improving — whether it is a new seasonal ingredient, a refreshed menu item, or a better way to serve our guests faster.
The Costa Vida Timeline
From a single location to a nationwide movement — here is how the costavida story unfolded over the years.
The First Location Opens
Costa Vida opens its first restaurant in Mesa, Arizona. With a passion for coastal Mexican cuisine and fresh ingredients, the founders serve their first guests out of a modest 1,200 sq ft kitchen.
Franchise Model Launches
After overwhelming demand and a devoted local following, Costa Vida introduces its franchise model — allowing passionate operators to bring fresh Mexican flavors to their own communities.
Hitting 50 Locations
A milestone moment as Costa Vida surpasses 50 restaurant locations across multiple states. The brand earns its first national recognition award for Fresh Fast Casual dining excellence.
Fresh Promise Commitment
Costa Vida formalizes its "Fresh Promise" — a brand-wide commitment to daily preparation, no artificial preservatives, and complete menu transparency for every guest.
Online Ordering & Delivery
Responding to changing guest needs, Costa Vida launches its full online ordering platform and delivery partnerships — making fresh Mexican food accessible from the comfort of home.
100+ Locations & Growing
Costa Vida reaches the landmark of 100+ locations across the United States, continuing its mission of bringing fresh, bold Mexican flavors to every corner of the country.
Meet Our Team
Costa Vida is powered by passionate people who believe food is a form of love. Meet the leaders who make the magic happen every day.
Marcus Rivera
CEO & Co-Founder
With over 20 years in the restaurant industry, Marcus built Costa Vida from a single location into a national fresh Mexican grill brand.
Sofia Mendez
Executive Chef
Sofia brings authentic coastal Mexican culinary tradition to every menu item, ensuring each recipe honors its roots while delighting modern palates.
David Chen
Chief Operations Officer
David oversees the day-to-day excellence of all Costa Vida locations, maintaining the standards that make every guest experience consistent and exceptional.
Aisha Patel
Head of Marketing
Aisha tells the Costa Vida story to the world — connecting the brand with food lovers everywhere through creative campaigns and genuine community engagement.