Our Story

Fresh Food, Real Passion

From a small family kitchen to a beloved Colorado Springs destination — discover the people, purpose, and passion behind every dish at Costa Vida.

Costa Vida restaurant interior with warm, welcoming atmosphere

Made With Love Every recipe, every time

Our Beginnings

A Taste of Tradition Born in Colorado

Costa Vida was born from a simple belief: that fresh, flavorful Mexican-inspired food should be accessible to everyone in Colorado Springs.

It all started with a family recipe passed down through generations — slow-roasted meats, hand-pressed tortillas, and salsas made from scratch each morning. What began as a neighborhood secret quickly became a community staple, drawing food lovers from across the city to our table.

Today, Costa Vida remains deeply rooted in those founding principles. We source local produce whenever possible, work with trusted regional suppliers, and prepare everything in-house. No shortcuts, no compromises — just real food crafted with genuine care.

Locally Sourced Made Fresh Daily Family Recipes No Preservatives

12+

Years Serving

50K+

Happy Guests

40+

Menu Items

4.9

Average Rating

Why We Exist

Our Mission & Purpose

Everything we do is guided by a clear sense of purpose — to nourish our community with food that truly matters.

Our Mission

To serve fresh, vibrant Mexican-inspired food that brings people together, fuels busy lives, and creates moments worth savoring — every single day.

Our Vision

To be Colorado Springs' most trusted and beloved fast-casual dining destination, known for quality, warmth, and a menu that celebrates bold, honest flavors.

Our Promise

Every guest who walks through our doors — or orders online — deserves a meal prepared with the same love and care as if it were for our own family.

What Drives Us

Our Core Values

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that shape every decision we make, from sourcing ingredients to serving our guests.

Freshness First

We prep every ingredient daily. If it's not fresh, it doesn't make it to your plate. Period.

Community First

We partner with local farms, sponsor community events, and invest back into the neighborhoods we serve.

Integrity Always

Honest ingredients, honest pricing, honest service. We never hide behind labels or hidden fees.

Joy in Every Bite

Food should make you happy. We put heart into every recipe so every meal feels like a celebration.

Our Journey

How We Grew

From a single family recipe to a full restaurant, here's the story of Costa Vida — milestone by milestone.

2012 — The Beginning

A Family Recipe Goes Public

The founding family began selling slow-roasted burritos at the Colorado Springs farmers market every Saturday, quickly developing a loyal following craving authentic flavors.

2014 — First Location

Doors Open on Tracker Drive

After two years of pop-ups and catering, Costa Vida opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 122 Tracker Dr, Colorado Springs — a dream realized through community support.

2016 — Growing Roots

Catering & Community Events Launch

Costa Vida expanded beyond the restaurant walls, launching catering services for corporate clients, weddings, and city events, bringing fresh flavors to thousands more guests.

2019 — Digital Evolution

Online Ordering Launched

To serve our growing base of busy families and professionals, we launched online ordering and partnered with local delivery services — bringing Costa Vida to every doorstep.

2022 — Menu Expansion

New Seasonal & Plant-Based Menus

Responding to our guests' evolving tastes, we introduced rotating seasonal specials and a full plant-based menu line — without ever compromising on the bold flavor Costa Vida is known for.

2024 — Today & Beyond

50,000 Guests & Still Growing

With over 50,000 guests served and a 4.9-star rating, Costa Vida continues to grow — staying true to its roots while embracing new ways to nourish the Colorado Springs community.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Every great meal starts with great people. Our team is passionate, dedicated, and united by a love for food that makes a real difference.

Marco Rivera

Founder & Head Chef

With 20 years of culinary experience across Mexico and the American Southwest, Marco brings the authentic heart of Mexican cooking to every recipe he creates.

Sofia Rivera

Co-Founder & Operations

Sofia keeps Costa Vida running smoothly — from supplier relationships to team training, she ensures every guest experience is seamless and memorable.

James Holloway

Executive Sous Chef

A culinary school graduate with a passion for seasonal ingredients, James leads the kitchen brigade and spearheads Costa Vida's rotating seasonal specials.

Amara Johnson

Guest Experience Manager

Amara's warm personality and sharp attention to detail have made her the face of Costa Vida hospitality, earning the restaurant its reputation for exceptional service.

Interested in joining our passionate team?

View Open Positions