We Are Costa Vida
Born from a passion for bold, authentic flavors and a deep love of community — Costa Vida has been bringing vibrant Mexican-inspired cuisine to Salt Lake City since 2003.
From a Small Kitchen
to a Beloved Brand
Costa Vida started with a simple dream: serve food that tastes like it came straight from a coastal Mexican kitchen — fresh, bold, and made with real love.
Founded in 2003 by food entrepreneurs Dave Rutter and JD Gardner in St. George, Utah, Costa Vida was built on the belief that fast food doesn't have to mean flavorless food. Every recipe was crafted from scratch, every tortilla hand-pressed, and every sauce slow-simmered to perfection.
Today, our Salt Lake City location at 60 E S Temple St carries on that same tradition. We source our ingredients from local and regional farms wherever possible, and our kitchen team shows up every day with the same fire our founders had two decades ago.
We're not just a restaurant — we're a gathering place for families, a lunch spot for coworkers, and a celebration destination for the whole community.
Our Mission & Vision
Everything we do flows from a clear purpose — to serve outstanding food while making a positive impact on every person and community we touch.
Our Mission
To create an extraordinary dining experience rooted in fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and genuine hospitality — every single visit, for every single guest.
Our Vision
To be the most loved Mexican-inspired restaurant in the Mountain West — known not just for our food, but for the warmth, energy, and community we foster.
Our Promise
We promise to always use fresh, quality ingredients, treat our team members with respect, and give back to the communities that have supported us from day one.
A Timeline of Flavor
Over two decades of growth, passion, and ever-bolder recipes — here's how Costa Vida became what it is today.
The First Location Opens
Dave Rutter and JD Gardner open the very first Costa Vida in St. George, Utah — a small but fiercely passionate kitchen built on hand-pressed tortillas and slow-simmered salsas.
Expansion Across Utah
Riding a wave of loyal fans, Costa Vida expands to multiple Utah cities including Provo, Orem, and West Valley — bringing coastal Mexican flavors to more communities across the state.
Award-Winning Recipes
Costa Vida earns regional "Best Mexican Restaurant" awards for its signature Sweet Pork Burrito and hand-crafted guacamole — cementing its reputation as a must-visit dining destination.
Farm-to-Table Commitment
A renewed focus on sustainability and freshness drives partnerships with local Utah farms — ensuring every bowl, burrito, and taco is made with produce picked at its peak.
Online Ordering Launch
Costa Vida launches its online ordering platform and catering services, making it easier than ever for guests and corporate clients to enjoy fresh, bold flavors at home or the office.
Salt Lake City Flagship Thrives
Our Salt Lake City location at S Temple St continues to serve thousands of guests each week, maintaining a 4.8-star rating and growing as a beloved community hub for great food and great vibes.
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles our team lives by every day, from the kitchen to the counter and beyond.
Passion in Every Bite
We cook with the same excitement on day 7,000 as we did on day one. Every dish is a chance to make someone's day a little more delicious.
Freshness Always
No freezers, no shortcuts. We prep fresh every morning because our guests deserve food that's alive with flavor — not just adequate.
Community First
We give back to the neighborhoods that nourish us — through food donations, local partnerships, and showing up as a dependable part of the community fabric.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest who walks through our door is family. We train our team to be present, kind, and genuinely glad you're here — because we are.
Made Fresh. Made with Heart.
Every ingredient prepped daily — because freshness isn't a perk, it's the promise.
Meet Our Team
Great food starts with great people. Our team is a passionate group of culinary artists, hospitality experts, and community champions.
Marcus Rivera
Head ChefWith 15 years honing his craft across Mexico City and Los Angeles, Marcus brings authentic technique and deep flavor knowledge to every recipe at Costa Vida.
Sofia Delgado
General ManagerSofia keeps the whole Costa Vida operation running with warmth and precision. She joined in 2011 and has been the heartbeat of the Salt Lake City location ever since.
James Okafor
Catering DirectorJames turns events into unforgettable experiences. His catering expertise and attention to detail have made Costa Vida the go-to choice for corporate and private events.
Priya Nair
Sustainability LeadPriya champions our farm-to-table philosophy, managing relationships with local growers and driving our zero-waste kitchen initiatives across all operations.
Want to be part of our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
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