Fresh & Local
We source directly from local farms and suppliers across the United States, ensuring every ingredient is at peak freshness when it reaches your plate.
Our Story
About Cafe Rio — Fresh Food with Heart
Cafe Rio is more than a restaurant — it's a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and the caferio spirit of bringing people together over exceptional food. We've been crafting wholesome, delicious meals across the United States since 2010.
Made with Love
Every single dish
How It All Started
A Small Kitchen, A Big Dream
It all began in 2010 when founder Maria Vasquez opened a tiny 12-seat kitchen in Salt Lake City with a single mission: serve honest, fresh food that makes people feel good. Inspired by farmers' markets and her grandmother's recipes, Maria sourced every ingredient locally and cooked everything from scratch.
"I wanted people to taste the love in every bite — not just fill their stomachs, but nourish their souls. That vision still drives everything we do at Cafe Rio."
Word spread quickly. Within a year, what started as a neighborhood café became a beloved destination for food lovers across Utah. Today, Cafe Rio serves tens of thousands of guests monthly, but our promise remains unchanged — every meal is prepared fresh, every day, with ingredients you can trust.
The caferio philosophy is simple: food should be vibrant, nourishing, and made with care. We partner with local farms, support sustainable practices, and continuously refine our recipes to bring you the very best the United States has to offer.
Explore Our Menu
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Values
The principles that guide every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to serving your table.
Made with Passion
Every Cafe Rio recipe is crafted with genuine love and culinary expertise. We never cut corners — quality and heart go into every single dish we serve.
Sustainability
We are committed to eco-friendly practices — from compostable packaging to reducing food waste — because we believe good food and a healthy planet go hand in hand.
Community First
Cafe Rio is woven into the fabric of local communities. We support food banks, partner with nonprofits, and celebrate the neighborhoods that have made us who we are.
Our Journey
The Cafe Rio Timeline
From a 12-seat kitchen to a celebrated brand — here's how Cafe Rio grew.
2010
The Beginning
Maria Vasquez opens the first Cafe Rio location in Salt Lake City with 12 seats, a handwritten menu, and a commitment to locally sourced, scratch-made food.
2012
Community Recognition
Cafe Rio wins "Best New Restaurant" from Salt Lake Magazine and is praised for redefining casual dining with farm-fresh ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors.
2014
Expanding the Kitchen
Responding to overwhelming demand, Cafe Rio opens a second location and doubles its kitchen team, onboarding three new chefs trained in sustainable cooking practices.
2016
Caferio Digital Launch
The caferio online ordering platform goes live, making it easier than ever for customers across the United States to enjoy Cafe Rio's signature fresh food at home.
2018
Farm Partnership Program
Cafe Rio launches its flagship Farm Partnership Program, formalizing direct relationships with 20+ regional farms to guarantee freshness and support local agriculture.
2021
Sustainability Milestone
Cafe Rio achieves zero single-use plastic across all locations and diverts over 90% of kitchen waste from landfills through composting and food donation partnerships.
2024
120,000 Customers Served
Cafe Rio celebrates a landmark milestone — over 120,000 happy customers served, with a refreshed menu of 50+ dishes and a brand-new catering and events division.
Today
Still Growing, Still Fresh
Cafe Rio continues to evolve — expanding delivery zones, launching seasonal menus, and staying true to the founding promise: honest, vibrant food made with love, every day.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
The passionate individuals who wake up every morning to make Cafe Rio exceptional — from farm to table.
Founder & CEO
Maria Vasquez
Maria founded Cafe Rio in 2010 with a dream of making fresh, locally sourced food accessible to everyone. Her passion for community and culinary excellence drives every decision.
Head Chef
James Okonkwo
With over 18 years of culinary experience across three continents, James brings bold, innovative flavor profiles to Cafe Rio's ever-evolving seasonal menu.
Operations Director
Sophie Chen
Sophie ensures that every Cafe Rio location runs like clockwork — from supply chain management to team training — so every guest experience is flawless.
Sustainability Lead
Carlos Rivera
Carlos champions Cafe Rio's environmental mission — managing farm partnerships, zero-waste programs, and community food initiatives across the United States.
Want to join our passionate team?
View Open Positions