Our Story

About Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

Costa Vida is more than a restaurant — it's a passion for fresh, authentic Mexican flavors brought to life in the heart of Lee's Summit, Missouri. From the very first bite, our guests experience the costavida difference: bold ingredients, hand-crafted recipes, and genuine hospitality.

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill kitchen and food preparation
10+ Years of Fresh Flavor
Our Story

How Costa Vida Began

Costa Vida was born from a simple dream: to share the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of coastal Mexico with the community of Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Founded by a family of food lovers who spent years traveling along Mexico's Pacific coast, Costa Vida opened its doors with a commitment to freshness that goes beyond the plate. Every tortilla is hand-pressed. Every salsa is made in-house daily. Every bowl is assembled with care and intention.

"We believe that real food — fresh, honest, and made with love — has the power to bring people together."

Over a decade later, that founding philosophy still drives everything we do. From our hand-marinated proteins to our signature sweet pork recipe, Costa Vida continues to serve dishes that feel like a warm embrace — familiar, nourishing, and always made fresh.

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What We Stand For

Our Mission & Core Beliefs

At Costa Vida, every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to training our team — is guided by our commitment to freshness, community, and authentic flavor.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally whenever possible and refuse to compromise on the quality of what goes into every dish.

Community First

Lee's Summit is our home. We invest in our neighborhood through partnerships, events, and genuine connections.

Authentic Flavor

Inspired by Mexico's coastal cuisine, our recipes honor tradition while adding our own creative touch.

Made with Love

From the first prep of the day to the last order out the door, every meal reflects the passion we pour into our craft.

Our Values

The Principles That Drive Us

Integrity in Every Ingredient

We never cut corners. Our team hand-prepares salsas, marinades, and tortillas fresh every single day.

Hospitality Without Limits

Every guest is treated like family. Warm smiles, fast service, and genuine care define the costavida experience.

Sustainable Practices

We're committed to reducing our footprint — from eco-friendly packaging to minimizing food waste in our kitchen.

Excellence, Always

We hold ourselves to a high standard and continuously look for ways to improve our food, service, and environment.

10+
Years in Business
50K+
Happy Guests Served
30+
Menu Items
100%
Fresh Daily Prep
Our Journey

The Costa Vida Timeline

2012

The Dream Takes Shape

After years of traveling Mexico's coast, our founders return to Lee's Summit with a vision: bring authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine to Missouri. Planning and recipe development begins.

2013

Costa Vida Opens Its Doors

Costa Vida officially opens at 115 Rte 291, Lee's Summit. The community's response is overwhelming — lines around the block on opening weekend and rave reviews for our signature sweet pork burritos.

2015

Menu Expansion & Local Awards

We introduce our famous salad bowls and fresh fish tacos, earning recognition as one of Lee's Summit's top dining destinations. Our in-house tortilla press becomes a guest favorite.

2017

Catering & Community Roots

Costa Vida launches its full catering service for local events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. We also begin our "Feed the Community" initiative, partnering with local food banks.

2020

Resilience Through Challenges

During the pandemic, Costa Vida adapts quickly — launching online ordering, contactless pickup, and family meal kits to keep our guests fed and our team employed throughout unprecedented times.

2023+

Growing the Costa Vida Family

Today, Costa Vida continues to thrive and grow. With franchise opportunities now available, the costavida flavor is ready to spread across the region — always fresh, always authentic.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team is the heart of Costa Vida. Each member brings passion, skill, and love for great food to every shift.

Marco Rivera, Executive Chef and co-founder of Costa Vida

Marco Rivera

Executive Chef & Co-Founder

Marco's culinary journey began on the beaches of Jalisco, Mexico. He brings over 20 years of experience crafting authentic coastal Mexican cuisine to every dish at Costa Vida.

Sofia Castillo, General Manager of Costa Vida

Sofia Castillo

General Manager

Sofia is the operational backbone of Costa Vida. A Lee's Summit native, she ensures every guest experience lives up to the costavida promise of warmth and quality.

Daniel Park, Head Tortilla & Salsa Artisan at Costa Vida

Daniel Park

Tortilla & Salsa Artisan

Daniel has perfected the art of hand-pressed tortillas and small-batch salsas. His daily creations are a cornerstone of what makes Costa Vida's flavors genuinely unforgettable.

Amara Osei, Community & Catering Coordinator at Costa Vida

Amara Osei

Community & Catering Coordinator

Amara connects Costa Vida with the heart of Lee's Summit. She manages our catering partnerships, community events, and makes sure every celebration gets the perfect Mexican spread.

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Ready to Taste the Difference?

Experience the Costa Vida Flavor

Every meal at Costa Vida is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold Mexican flavors, and the community we love.

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