Our Story

About Costa Vida

From a small family kitchen to a beloved Utah institution — we craft every meal with passion, purpose, and the freshest ingredients available.

Costa Vida restaurant interior with fresh ingredients

How We Began

A Passion for Fresh, Authentic Flavors

Costa Vida was born in 2003 from a simple but powerful belief: that fresh, handcrafted Mexican food could bring people together and nourish both the body and soul. Our founders, inspired by the sun-drenched coastal kitchens of Mexico, set out to recreate those vibrant, soulful flavors right here in Orem, Utah.

What started as a single location serving loyal neighborhood regulars quickly grew into something far bigger. Word spread about our slow-roasted meats, hand-pressed tortillas, and made-from-scratch salsas. Families kept coming back — not just for the food, but for the feeling of warmth and belonging.

Today, Costa Vida stands as a testament to what happens when you never compromise on quality, never rush the process, and always put the guest experience first.

20+ Years of Service

50K+ Happy Customers

100% Fresh Ingredients Daily

#1 Rated in Orem, UT

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What Drives Us

Mission, Vision & Promise

Every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to the way we greet each guest — is guided by a set of values that have never changed.

Our Mission

To serve the freshest, most flavorful Mexican-inspired food in Utah — crafted by hand every day using ingredients we're proud to put on our tables and yours.

Our Vision

To become the most trusted and beloved fast-casual dining experience in the Mountain West — where guests always leave feeling satisfied, welcomed, and valued.

Our Promise

We promise to never sacrifice freshness for speed, never compromise on quality, and always treat every guest like family — because that's how Costa Vida was built.

Fresh ingredients and handcrafted meals at Costa Vida

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the standards we hold ourselves to every single day in every single meal we serve.

Freshness First

Every ingredient is sourced fresh and prepared daily. We don't believe in shortcuts when it comes to the food we serve our community.

Community Centered

We are a part of the Orem community and proud of it. From local sourcing to neighborhood events, we give back to the people who made us.

Excellence in Every Bite

We hold every dish to the same standard — seasoned perfectly, presented beautifully, and delivered with genuine care and hospitality.

Cultural Respect

We honor the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine and coastal cooking with authenticity, creativity, and deep respect for the culture that inspired us.

Our Journey

How Far We've Come

From a small storefront in Orem to a community institution — here's a look at the milestones that shaped Costa Vida.

2003

The First Location Opens

Co-founders Derek and Maria open the very first Costa Vida on N State St in Orem, Utah — serving just a handful of core menu items and a whole lot of heart.

2007

Expanding the Menu

After four years of refining recipes and listening to guests, we expanded our menu to include the full range of burritos, salads, tacos, and signature sauces that fans love today.

2011

Community Award for Excellence

Costa Vida was honored with the Utah Valley Best Restaurant Award — a recognition voted by the very community we've worked so hard to serve for nearly a decade.

2015

Catering Program Launches

Due to overwhelming demand from corporate clients and event planners, we launched our full-service catering program — bringing Costa Vida flavor to offices, weddings, and private parties.

2019

Online Ordering Goes Live

We launched our new online ordering platform, making it even easier for regulars and newcomers alike to enjoy fresh Costa Vida meals on their schedule.

2023

20 Years & Going Strong

We celebrated our 20th anniversary with a full menu refresh, a newly renovated dining space, and a commitment to the next 20 years of serving the Orem community with the same love we started with.

The People Behind It All

Meet Our Team

Costa Vida is nothing without the passionate, talented people who show up every day to make it all happen.

Co-Founder & CEO

Derek Montoya

With over 20 years in the restaurant industry, Derek's vision and leadership have shaped every aspect of the Costa Vida experience.

Co-Founder & Head Chef

Maria Santos

Maria's culinary heritage and trained chef's eye ensure that every Costa Vida recipe delivers authentic flavor in every single bite.

Operations Manager

James Reyes

James keeps every aspect of Costa Vida running smoothly — from supply chain and scheduling to ensuring the guest experience never misses a beat.

Guest Experience Director

Sofia Chen

Sofia champions a guest-first culture throughout the entire Costa Vida team, making sure every interaction leaves people smiling.

Want to join this amazing team?

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Ready to Taste the Difference?

Experience Costa Vida Today

Two decades of flavor, freshness, and heart — all waiting for you at 1621 N State St, Orem. Come in or order online now.

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