Our Story

Bringing fresh Mexican flavors and vibrant culture to your table since 1999. From humble beginnings to a beloved brand, discover the passion behind Costa Vida.

Costa Vida began with a simple dream: to share the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of coastal Mexico with food lovers everywhere.

Founded in 1999 by passionate food enthusiasts, we started as a small family restaurant with big ambitions. Our founders traveled extensively through Mexico's coastal regions, learning traditional recipes and cooking techniques from local families who had perfected their craft over generations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to freshness. Every morning, our team hand-cuts vegetables, prepares fresh salsas, and marinates our proteins using time-honored recipes. We believe that great food starts with great ingredients, which is why we source locally whenever possible and never compromise on quality.

Today, Costa Vida has grown into a beloved brand known for its fresh Mexican cuisine, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service. But our heart remains the same – we're a family-owned business that treats every guest like family.

Our Mission & Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Fresh Passion

Every dish is prepared fresh daily with ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers who share our commitment to quality.

Family First

We treat our team members and guests like family, creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.

Authentic Traditions

Our recipes honor the authentic culinary traditions of coastal Mexico, passed down through generations of skilled cooks.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Costa Vida

professional chef in traditional Mexican kitchen

Carlos Martinez

Executive Chef & Co-Founder

With over 20 years of culinary experience, Carlos brings authentic Mexican flavors to every dish at Costa Vida.

smiling female restaurant manager in modern dining room

Sofia Rodriguez

Operations Manager

Sofia ensures every Costa Vida location delivers exceptional service and maintains our high standards of quality.

experienced chef preparing fresh ingredients in kitchen

Miguel Santos

Head of Culinary Development

Miguel creates new menu items while preserving the authentic flavors that make Costa Vida special.

friendly restaurant supervisor greeting customers with warm smile

Ana Gutierrez

Guest Experience Director

Ana leads our commitment to hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued at Costa Vida.

25+
Years of Experience
50K+
Happy Customers
12
Locations
100+
Team Members

Our Journey

Key milestones in the Costa Vida story

1999

The Beginning - Carlos and Maria Martinez opened the first Costa Vida restaurant in a small coastal town, serving authentic Mexican dishes to locals and tourists.

2005

First Expansion - Opened our second location due to overwhelming demand, establishing our commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.

2010

Regional Growth - Expanded to five locations across the region, introducing our signature fresh salsa bar and customizable menu options.

2015

Innovation Era - Launched our mobile app and online ordering system, making Costa Vida more accessible while maintaining our quality standards.

2020

Adaptation & Growth - Successfully adapted to changing times with enhanced delivery services and contactless dining options while opening three new locations.

2024

Today - Costa Vida now operates 12 locations, serving thousands of customers daily while staying true to our founding principles of freshness, authenticity, and family.