Passionate About Fresh Food
& Vibrant Flavors
From a small kitchen with big dreams to Colorado's beloved Mexican-inspired destination — every dish we craft is a celebration of bold ingredients, family recipes, and genuine hospitality.
From a Family Kitchen
to a Colorado Icon
Costa Vida was born in 2012 from a simple but powerful belief: that fresh, vibrant food prepared with love can transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Founded by Maria and Carlos Reyes in Colorado Springs, our first location was a modest 800-square-foot kitchen where every burrito was hand-rolled and every salsa made from scratch.
Inspired by the coastal flavors of Baja California and the hearty mountain cuisine of Colorado, we developed a menu that felt both familiar and excitingly new. Our slow-roasted meats, house-made tortillas, and garden-fresh toppings quickly earned a devoted following across the Front Range.
Today, Costa Vida serves thousands of guests each week, but our commitment to freshness, family, and the pursuit of the perfect bite remains unchanged from that very first day.
- Ingredients sourced from local Colorado farms and trusted suppliers
- All tortillas and salsas made fresh in-house every single day
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or shortcuts — ever
- Proud supporter of local food banks and community programs
Why We Do What We Do
Every ingredient, every recipe, every smile across the counter is guided by a mission larger than ourselves.
"To nourish every person who walks through our doors with honest, vibrant food — crafted from the best ingredients, prepared with respect, and served with genuine warmth."— Maria & Carlos Reyes, Founders of Costa Vida
Fresh First
We source the finest local ingredients daily, ensuring every dish bursts with authentic, natural flavor from farm to table.
Community Roots
We are Colorado through and through. We invest in our neighbors, support local growers, and give back to the communities that built us.
Sustainable Plates
From compostable packaging to zero food-waste initiatives, we are committed to protecting the beautiful land that feeds us.
Made with Love
Our recipes carry generations of passion. Every slow-roast, every hand-pressed tortilla is a labor of love we are honored to share.
The Principles That Guide Us
These values are not aspirations — they are the daily commitments that define Costa Vida.
Integrity
We are transparent about every ingredient and every process. No hidden shortcuts, no compromises. What you see on our menu is exactly what you get on your plate.
Craftsmanship
Every burrito, bowl, and taco is assembled with the care of a craftsperson. We believe the details — the right crunch, the perfect balance of heat — are what separate good food from great food.
Hospitality
Every guest is family. We train our team to listen, to anticipate needs, and to ensure that every visit leaves you feeling welcomed, satisfied, and eager to return.
Sustainability
We recognize our responsibility to the planet. We actively reduce waste, choose eco-friendly packaging, and partner with suppliers who share our environmental values.
Innovation
Tradition inspires us, but curiosity drives us. Our culinary team continuously explores new ingredients, seasonal specials, and bold flavor combinations to keep your palate excited.
Inclusion
Our table is open to everyone. We celebrate diversity in our team, our menus, and our community — because the best food brings people together from all walks of life.
A Decade of Delicious Milestones
From our first humble kitchen to a beloved Colorado institution — here is how Costa Vida grew.
The First Kitchen Opens
Maria and Carlos Reyes open Costa Vida's original location on Tracker Drive, Colorado Springs. With just five staff members and a 12-item menu, the community response is immediately overwhelming — lines stretched out the door on opening week.
Best New Restaurant Award
Colorado Springs dining guide names Costa Vida "Best New Restaurant of 2014." The accolade drives a surge in recognition, cementing our reputation as the go-to destination for fresh, bold Mexican-inspired flavors in the region.
Menu Expansion & Catering Launch
We grow our menu to 40+ items, introducing our beloved slow-roasted carnitas and signature Costa Bowls. We also launch our full-service catering division, bringing the Costa Vida experience to weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings across Colorado.
Farm-to-Table Partnership Program
We formalize partnerships with seven local Colorado farms, establishing our farm-to-table sourcing program. This initiative ensures hyper-seasonal menus and directly supports the agricultural community that surrounds us in the Rockies.
Online Ordering & Delivery Goes Live
Costa Vida launches its online ordering platform and in-house delivery service, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy fresh, restaurant-quality food at home. Within the first month, over 1,000 delivery orders are placed.
50,000 Customers Milestone
Costa Vida proudly serves its 50,000th unique customer — a milestone celebrated with a community feast and the launch of our loyalty rewards program. We also introduce our zero-waste packaging initiative, reducing single-use plastics by 80%.
The Faces Behind Every Flavor
Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise, warmth, and relentless dedication to every plate we serve.
Maria Reyes
Co-Founder & Executive Chef
With 20 years of culinary training spanning Mexico City and Denver, Maria is the creative heart of Costa Vida. She oversees all recipe development and ensures every dish meets her exacting standards of freshness and flavor.
Carlos Reyes
Co-Founder & CEO
Carlos built Costa Vida's business foundation from the ground up. A Colorado native with a passion for hospitality, he leads operations, community partnerships, and the strategic vision that keeps Costa Vida growing sustainably.
Sofia Mendez
Head of Culinary Innovation
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Sofia leads our seasonal menu development. She travels extensively to source inspiration from authentic Mexican coastal kitchens and translates those discoveries into dishes our Colorado guests adore.
James Holt
Operations Manager
James is the operational backbone of Costa Vida. With a background in large-scale restaurant management, he ensures that every shift runs smoothly, every supplier delivers on time, and every guest leaves with a perfect experience.
Interested in joining our passionate team?
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