Marcus Rivera
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
With 20+ years in Mexican cuisine, Marcus brings authentic recipes and creative innovation to every Costa Vida dish. His passion for fresh ingredients is the heartbeat of our kitchen.
Our Story
About Costa Vida
We're passionate about bringing bold, fresh Mexican flavors to your table. Discover the heart behind every dish we craft with real ingredients and real love.
2009
Founded
Who We Are
The Costa Vida Story
Costa Vida began with a simple belief — that fresh, real food should be accessible to everyone. Founded in Lee's Summit, Missouri in 2009, our restaurant set out to redefine the costavida experience by sourcing premium ingredients and crafting every dish from scratch, every single day.
What started as a small family kitchen has grown into a beloved community staple. Our chefs bring bold Mexican traditions to life with a modern twist, ensuring every visit feels like a fiesta. From hand-rolled burritos to slow-braised meats and vibrant salsas, the Costa Vida difference is in every bite.
Farm-Fresh Ingredients
We partner with local farms to bring the freshest produce straight to your plate, every day.
Made From Scratch Daily
No shortcuts, no freezer bags. Everything from our salsas to our tortillas is prepared fresh each morning.
Community at Our Core
We're more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place that feeds and celebrates our local community.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Vision
Everything we do at Costa Vida is guided by a clear purpose — to serve food that's as good for your soul as it is for your taste buds.
Our Mission
To serve bold, authentic Mexican cuisine crafted from the freshest ingredients, creating memorable dining experiences that nourish both body and community.
Our Vision
To become the most-loved fresh Mexican restaurant in the United States, known for quality, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to real ingredients.
Our Promise
Every order reflects our dedication — to your health, your happiness, and your trust. No artificial flavors, no compromise, no excuses. Just great food.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These principles shape every decision we make — from the ingredients we source to how we treat every guest who walks through our doors.
Freshness First
We never compromise on ingredient quality. Every item on our menu uses fresh, whole-food ingredients prepared the same day.
Authentic Flavors
Rooted in Mexican culinary tradition, we honor the bold spices, slow-cooked meats, and vibrant salsas that make every dish unforgettable.
Community Love
We give back to the neighborhoods that support us through local partnerships, food drives, and community events throughout the year.
Warm Hospitality
Every guest is family at Costa Vida. We create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere where you feel celebrated from the moment you arrive.
Our Journey
A History of Flavor
From a humble kitchen to a celebrated dining destination — here's how the costavida story unfolded over the years.
2009
The First Kitchen Opens
Costa Vida opens its first location in Lee's Summit, MO. Founded by food lovers with a dream of bringing genuinely fresh Mexican cuisine to the community. The response is overwhelming from day one.
2012
Menu Expansion
We introduced our signature slow-braised barbacoa and hand-crafted agua frescas, expanding the menu to over 40 items. Customer favorites were born in this era — many still on the menu today.
2015
Community Recognition
Costa Vida earned the Lee's Summit "Best Local Restaurant" award for three consecutive years. We deepened our roots by launching our first community catering program for local events and fundraisers.
2018
Online Ordering Launches
We launched our digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to order their favorites from home. Within the first month, online orders exceeded 1,000 per week.
2021
Catering Program Grows
Our catering division expanded to serve corporate events, weddings, and private parties across the Kansas City metro area, bringing the bold flavors of Costa Vida to thousands of new guests.
2024
50,000 Customers Milestone
Costa Vida celebrated serving its 50,000th unique customer — a testament to the loyalty of our community. We also launched our loyalty rewards program and refreshed the menu with exciting new seasonal dishes.
The People
Meet Our Team
Behind every delicious plate is a dedicated team of passionate food lovers. Meet the people who make Costa Vida extraordinary every day.
Sofia Mendez
Head of Operations & Co-Founder
Sofia ensures that every Costa Vida experience runs seamlessly. Her attention to detail and commitment to hospitality sets the standard for our service culture.
Daniel Torres
Chef de Cuisine
Daniel specializes in slow-cooked meats and house-made salsas. He trained in Mexico City and brings deep culinary roots and a genuine love of bold flavors to our menu.
Layla Chen
Customer Experience Manager
Layla leads our front-of-house team with infectious energy and warmth. She's dedicated to making every guest feel like a VIP the moment they walk through our doors.
Ready to Experience It?
Taste the Costa Vida Difference
Now that you know our story, come live it with us. Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and warm hospitality — just as it was meant to be.
115 Rte 291, Lee's Summit, MO 64063