Marcus Rivera
Founder & Executive Chef
With 20+ years in culinary arts and a passion for coastal cuisine, Marcus built Costa Vida from the ground up — one bold recipe at a time.
15+
Years of Flavor
200+
Menu Items
50K+
Happy Guests
4.9
Average Rating
2009
Founded
Our Roots
The Costa Vida Story
Costa Vida was born from a simple belief: that food should be bold, fresh, and full of life. Founded in 2009 in Salt Lake City, we set out to bring vibrant coastal-inspired flavors to every table — crafted from scratch each day with the finest ingredients we can source.
What began as a single kitchen with a small but passionate team quickly grew into a beloved destination for food lovers across the United States. The costavida philosophy has always been the same — never cut corners on flavor, never compromise on freshness, and always treat every guest like family.
Today, we carry that same spirit forward — growing our menu, deepening our community roots, and welcoming new faces to the Costa Vida table every single day.
- Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in every dish we make
- Bold, coastal-inspired flavors built from scratch daily
- A team of passionate food creators who love what they do
- Community-driven dining that welcomes everyone equally
"Our mission is to nourish every person who walks through our doors — with honest food, genuine hospitality, and flavors that make you feel alive."
What We Believe
Our Core Values
Every decision we make — from sourcing to service — is guided by these principles.
Freshness First
We never settle for anything but the freshest ingredients, prepared in-house every single day without exception.
Community Care
We believe food builds community. Costa Vida is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place for neighbors and friends.
Uncompromising Quality
From the first ingredient sourced to the final plate served, quality is non-negotiable at every step of our process.
Bold Innovation
We constantly explore new flavors and techniques, honoring tradition while embracing the creativity that keeps our menu exciting.
How We Got Here
Our Journey
From a single kitchen to a beloved food destination — here's how costavida grew into what it is today.
2009
The First Kitchen Opens
Costa Vida launched its first location in Salt Lake City, UT with a small but fiercely dedicated team and a menu built entirely from scratch. The response from locals was immediate and overwhelming.
2012
Menu Expansion & Recognition
We expanded our coastal-inspired menu, introducing signature dishes that would become fan favorites. Costa Vida was recognized as one of Utah's top dining experiences by local food critics.
2015
Community Roots & Catering Launch
We deepened our community involvement through local partnerships and launched our catering service, bringing the Costa Vida experience to events, celebrations, and offices across the region.
2018
Going Digital & Online Ordering
We launched our digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy Costa Vida from wherever they are. Our online presence grew rapidly alongside our loyal customer base.
2022
Franchise Program Launched
With demand growing nationwide, Costa Vida opened its franchise program — empowering passionate entrepreneurs to bring the costavida mission to new communities across the United States.
2024+
Growing Stronger Than Ever
Today, Costa Vida continues to grow with an expanded menu, a thriving franchise network, and a community of over 50,000 loyal guests who choose us again and again. The best chapters are still ahead.
The People Behind It
Meet Our Team
Our team is the heart of Costa Vida — passionate professionals who pour their energy into every plate and every guest experience.
Sofia Chen
Head of Operations
Sofia ensures every Costa Vida experience runs seamlessly — from kitchen flow to guest satisfaction, she keeps every detail sharp and every service smooth.
Daniel Osei
Head Sous Chef
Daniel brings precision and creativity to the Costa Vida kitchen — his signature sauces and daily specials have earned a loyal following among regular guests.
Amara Patel
Guest Experience Director
Amara leads our front-of-house culture — making sure every guest who visits Costa Vida leaves feeling valued, satisfied, and ready to return.