Our Story

About Cafe Rio — Passion on Every Plate

Welcome to Cafe Rio — where bold Southwest-inspired flavors meet heartfelt hospitality. Since our founding, the caferio kitchen has been driven by one simple belief: great food brings people together. Serving United States with fresh, vibrant cuisine made from scratch every day.

Cafe Rio restaurant interior with warm lighting
Fresh food dishes prepared at Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio dining area
Vibrant Cafe Rio menu items
Cafe Rio founders and chefs in the kitchen
15+
Years of Bold Flavors

How Cafe Rio Came to Life

Cafe Rio was born from a simple dream: to bring the vibrant, sun-drenched tastes of the Southwest to every corner of United States. Our founders, lifelong food lovers raised near the Rio Grande, wanted to share the bold, fresh cuisine they grew up with.

From our first humble location in Eastvale, CA, we built our menu around one guiding principle — every dish must be made with fresh, quality ingredients and served with genuine care. No shortcuts, no compromises. That caferio commitment is why guests return again and again.

Over the years, Cafe Rio has grown into a beloved dining destination, but we've never lost the warmth and spirit of that original vision. Every taco, burrito, and salad we serve carries the heart of our founders and the hands of our dedicated kitchen team.

15+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Guests
120+
Menu Items

To Nourish Communities with Food Made From the Heart

At Cafe Rio, our mission is to deliver bold, fresh, Southwest-inspired food that brings people together — crafted with quality ingredients, prepared with care, and served with genuine hospitality. Every meal is an invitation to slow down, share, and savor.

The Values That Drive Our caferio Kitchen

These four pillars guide every decision we make, from ingredient sourcing to how we greet every guest at the door.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally when possible and insist on fresh, seasonal produce. If it isn't fresh, it doesn't make it onto your plate.

Made with Love

Every dish is prepared by passionate cooks who take pride in their craft. We believe food tastes better when it's made with genuine care.

Community First

We are proud members of our local community. From sourcing to staffing, we invest in the people and places that make us who we are.

Sustainability

We minimize waste, compost, and choose eco-conscious packaging. A healthy planet means better food for generations to come.

The Passionate People Behind Cafe Rio

Our team is our greatest ingredient. Talented, dedicated, and deeply passionate about food and hospitality.

Marco Rivera, Head Chef and Co-Founder of Cafe Rio

Marco Rivera

Head Chef & Co-Founder

With 20 years in Southwest cuisine, Marco leads our kitchen with passion and precision. His signature salsas are the heart of every Cafe Rio dish.

Sofia Chen, General Manager of Cafe Rio

Sofia Chen

General Manager

Sofia ensures every guest feels at home. Her warmth and operational excellence have made Cafe Rio a community anchor in Eastvale.

James Okafor, Executive Sous Chef at Cafe Rio

James Okafor

Executive Sous Chef

James brings global culinary training to our Southwest roots. His creative specials keep our menu exciting while honoring Cafe Rio traditions.

Priya Nair, Head of Catering and Events at Cafe Rio

Priya Nair

Head of Catering & Events

Priya transforms events into unforgettable experiences. From intimate dinners to large corporate events, she delivers Cafe Rio quality at scale.

Ready to taste what our team has crafted?

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The Cafe Rio Story, Year by Year

From a single location to a beloved community institution — here's how we got here.

2009

The First Bowl

Marco Rivera opens the first Cafe Rio location at 4910 Hamner Ave, Eastvale, CA. The menu has 12 items. Guests line up around the block on opening day.

2012

Growing the Family

Cafe Rio expands its kitchen team, welcomes James Okafor as Sous Chef, and launches its first seasonal specials menu — a tradition that continues today.

2015

Community Recognition

Cafe Rio wins its first Inland Empire's Best Restaurant award and is featured in local media for its commitment to fresh ingredients and community giving.

2018

Catering Launch

Priya Nair joins as Head of Catering, and Cafe Rio officially launches its full-service catering operation, bringing bold Southwest flavors to events across United States.

2021

Online Ordering Goes Live

Cafe Rio launches its online ordering platform, making fresh food more accessible than ever. The caferio digital experience brings the restaurant to your doorstep.

2024

Sustainability Pledge

Cafe Rio formalizes its sustainability commitments — eco packaging, reduced food waste programs, and partnerships with local farms. Bold flavors, lighter footprint.

Today

Still Going Strong

With 50,000+ happy guests and counting, Cafe Rio continues to serve United States with the same passion, freshness, and bold flavors that started it all. Come taste the story.

Fresh Food, Bold Flavors, Ready for You

Whether you're dining in, ordering online, or planning a catered event — Cafe Rio is here to make every meal memorable.

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