Our Story

About Costa Vida

We're a passionate team dedicated to bringing bold coastal Mexican flavors to every table. Learn who we are, what we stand for, and the journey that brought us here.

Costa Vida fresh Mexican food preparation in our kitchen
5+ Years of
Bold Flavor
Who We Are

The costa vida Story

Costa Vida was born from a deep love of coastal Mexico's vibrant food culture. Founded in 2019 in Ogden, Utah, our restaurant set out to share the authentic flavors of fresh, hand-crafted Mexican cuisine with the United States. The costavida philosophy is simple: use real ingredients, bold spices, and honest cooking to create meals that feel like a trip to the coast.

From the very first day, we've been committed to sourcing quality produce and preparing every dish with care. What started as a single location has grown into a beloved community destination where families, friends, and food lovers come together over great meals.

Fresh Ingredients Daily We source local and regional produce every morning to ensure peak freshness.
Made From Scratch Every sauce, marinade, and seasoning blend is prepared in-house daily.
Community First We give back to local organizations and support the neighborhoods we serve.
Award-Winning Taste Recognized for excellence in flavor, service, and dining experience.
Our Purpose

Mission, Vision & Promise

Three guiding principles that shape everything we do at Costa Vida — from the food we prepare to the experience we create.

Our Mission

To deliver the bold, fresh flavors of coastal Mexico through responsibly sourced ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and warm hospitality — making every meal a memorable experience for our guests and community.

Our Vision

To become the most trusted and beloved Mexican coastal restaurant brand in the United States — a place where quality, culture, and community intersect in every single bite we serve.

Our Promise

We promise to never compromise on quality, to treat every guest like family, and to keep innovating our menu so you always have something new and exciting to discover at Costa Vida.

What We Believe

Our Core Values

These values aren't just words on a wall — they guide every decision we make, every dish we prepare, and every interaction we have with our guests and partners.

01

Freshness Without Compromise

We never use frozen shortcuts. Every ingredient is chosen for quality and prepared fresh each day, because you deserve the real thing.

02

Authentic Coastal Flavors

Our recipes honor the culinary traditions of coastal Mexico, blending time-tested techniques with modern presentation and a passion for bold taste.

03

Genuine Hospitality

From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, our team is dedicated to making you feel welcome, valued, and well-fed.

04

Community & Sustainability

We support local farmers, reduce waste, and give back to the neighborhoods that support us — because a great restaurant is part of a greater community.

Costa Vida restaurant interior showing warm and welcoming dining atmosphere
Our Journey

History & Milestones

From a small kitchen dream to a growing coastal Mexican food destination — here's how Costa Vida has grown over the years.

2019

Costa Vida Founded

Two food-passionate entrepreneurs open the first Costa Vida location in Ogden, Utah, with a mission to bring authentic coastal Mexican flavors to the region.

2020

Community Roots Deepen

Despite challenges, Costa Vida launched its catering service and online ordering platform, keeping the community fed and connected throughout difficult times.

2021

Menu Expansion & Awards

We introduced our signature Costa Bowls and fresh-pressed agua fresca line, earning the Best New Restaurant award from the Ogden Dining Guide.

2022

Team & Kitchen Growth

Our culinary team doubled in size, and we completed a full kitchen renovation to increase capacity and improve our fresh-prep workflow without compromising quality.

2023

Sustainability Initiative Launch

Costa Vida partnered with local Utah farms to source seasonal ingredients, cutting food miles by 40% and launching our first composting and zero-waste program.

2024 – Present

Growing Stronger Every Day

Today, Costa Vida serves thousands of satisfied guests monthly, offers full-service catering, and continues to innovate its menu while staying true to its coastal roots.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Our talented, passionate team is the heart of Costa Vida. Every dish, every smile, every experience starts with these dedicated individuals.

Marco Delgado, Founder and Head Chef at Costa Vida
Founder & Head Chef

Marco Delgado

With 15 years of culinary experience in coastal Mexico and California, Marco leads the kitchen with a passion for bold, authentic flavors and creative seasonal menus.

Sofia Reyes, Co-Founder and Operations Director at Costa Vida
Co-Founder & Operations

Sofia Reyes

Sofia brings order and excellence to every corner of Costa Vida's operations. Her dedication to guest experience and team culture keeps the restaurant running at its best.

Luis Herrera, Sous Chef at Costa Vida restaurant
Sous Chef

Luis Herrera

Luis specializes in traditional mole and salsa craft. Trained in Oaxaca and mentored under celebrated chefs, he brings depth and authenticity to every dish on our menu.

Elena Torres, Guest Experience Manager at Costa Vida
Guest Experience Manager

Elena Torres

Elena is the warm face that greets every guest and ensures their experience is nothing short of exceptional. She champions hospitality as an art form at Costa Vida.

Want to join our passionate team and make great food together?

Get in Touch
5+
Years in Business
12K+
Happy Guests
40+
Menu Items
98%
Satisfaction Rate

Ready to Experience Costa Vida?

Come taste the bold coastal flavors that our community loves. Place your order today and let us bring a piece of the coast to your table.