Marco Rivera
Executive Chef
With 18 years of culinary mastery, Marco brings bold, region-inspired flavors to every dish on the Cafe Rio menu. A James Beard nominee and Utah Food Hall of Fame inductee.
Our Story
The Heart Behind Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place where fresh ingredients, soulful recipes, and genuine hospitality come together to create unforgettable dining experiences across the United States.
15+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Guests
120+
Menu Items
2009
Founded in Utah
Our Beginnings
A Passion for Fresh, Authentic Food
Cafe Rio was born in 2009 with a single, unwavering belief: that everyone deserves a meal made with care, crafted from fresh ingredients, and served with a genuine smile.
What began as a modest café on Salt Lake City's Main Street quickly grew into a beloved institution. Our founder, inspired by decades of family recipes and a deep love of culinary tradition, set out to create a place where caferio regulars and first-time visitors alike would feel immediately at home. The warmth of our kitchen and the richness of our flavors became our signature from day one.
Today, Cafe Rio serves thousands of guests every month across the United States, staying true to those original values — seasonal produce, responsibly sourced proteins, and sauces made entirely from scratch. Every dish tells a story, and every visit is an invitation to be part of ours.
Explore Our Menu
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Commitments
Every decision we make — from the farmers we partner with to the dishes we create — is guided by a set of core commitments that reflect who we are as a cafe rio community.
Farm-Fresh Quality
We partner with local farmers and trusted suppliers to bring you the freshest seasonal ingredients available in the United States.
Community First
Cafe Rio was built by and for the community. We give back through local partnerships, food programs, and by hiring from the neighborhoods we serve.
Culinary Excellence
Our chefs bring decades of combined expertise, drawing from regional and international culinary traditions to craft every dish with skill and passion.
Sustainable Practices
From compostable packaging to zero-waste kitchen initiatives, we're committed to operating in a way that respects our planet and future generations.
Our Journey
Milestones That Shaped Cafe Rio
From a single location in Salt Lake City to a recognized name in fresh food across the United States, here's how our story unfolded.
2009
The First Cafe Rio Opens
Our founder opens the original Cafe Rio location at 51 S Main St, Salt Lake City — a 40-seat café serving fresh bowls, burritos, and hand-crafted sauces from scratch.
2012
Catering & Events Launch
Following overwhelming demand, Cafe Rio launches its signature catering division, bringing fresh food to corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings throughout Utah.
2015
Best Restaurant Award
Recognized by regional food publications as one of the best fresh-food destinations in the Mountain West. The caferio community grows to over 10,000 loyal guests.
2018
Franchise Program Begins
Cafe Rio opens its doors to franchise partners, allowing passionate food entrepreneurs across the United States to bring the Cafe Rio experience to their own communities.
2021
Digital Ordering & Delivery
Cafe Rio launches its online ordering platform and delivery partnership, making fresh, made-to-order meals accessible to more customers than ever before.
2024
Serving 50,000+ Guests
Today, Cafe Rio proudly serves over 50,000 guests annually, maintaining the same dedication to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors that defined us from day one.
What We Stand For
The Values That Guide Everything We Do
01
Integrity in Every Ingredient
We source honestly, cook transparently, and never compromise on quality — from the produce we buy to the way we prepare each dish at Cafe Rio.
02
Respect for Our Guests
Every person who walks through our doors or places an order deserves attentive service, honest pricing, and food prepared with genuine care.
03
Creativity Without Compromise
Our chefs innovate constantly, introducing new flavors and seasonal specials while protecting the classic recipes that made the caferio experience great from the start.
04
Growing Responsibly
Whether expanding our locations or scaling our catering operations, we grow at a pace that never compromises the quality and culture our guests expect.
The People Behind the Plates
Meet Our Team
The people behind Cafe Rio are passionate food lovers, skilled craftspeople, and dedicated professionals who pour heart and soul into every shift.
Sophia Chen
Head of Operations
Sophia oversees every aspect of the Cafe Rio dining experience, ensuring seamless service, impeccable standards, and a team culture that puts guests first.
James Okafor
Sous Chef & Recipe Developer
James is the creative engine behind Cafe Rio's seasonal specials. His West African–meets–Southwest culinary philosophy has introduced some of our most beloved menu additions.
Elena Vasquez
Catering & Events Manager
Elena has orchestrated over 500 catering events across the United States, bringing the signature Cafe Rio experience to weddings, galas, and corporate gatherings of every size.
Want to bring Cafe Rio's flavors to your next event or your own community?