Cafe Rio Mexican Grill

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is a fast-casual dining chain that has carved out a niche with its fresh Mexican cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Northern Mexico's Rio Grande region, Southern Texas, and New Mexico. Founded in 1997 by Steve and Patricia Stanley in St. George, Utah, the brand quickly gained popularity due to its commitment to using fresh ingredients and preparing each dish to order. This dedication to quality helped the restaurant expand to six locations within a few years. A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in 2004 when Bob Nilsen acquired Cafe Rio, sparking a period of rapid growth and reinforcing the brand's commitment to fresh, made-to-order meals.

As of August 2025, Cafe Rio operates over 144 restaurants across 13 states, with a strong focus on the Western United States, including Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, California, and Idaho. The company has chosen to maintain control over its operations by owning all its locations, rather than franchising, ensuring consistent quality and service across its stores. Cafe Rio's restaurants are strategically located in high-traffic retail areas and suburban markets, appealing to a wide audience that appreciates fast, flavorful, and affordable Mexican food. The brand is well-known for its open-kitchen format, where customers can see their meals being prepared from scratch, and for popular menu items like sweet pork barbacoa, hand-rolled tortillas, and fresh salsas.

In recent years, Cafe Rio has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy, continuing to develop both in existing markets and new territories. The company has also invested in digital ordering platforms, loyalty programs, and catering services to boost sales and enhance customer engagement. With its consistent operational model and ability to draw significant foot traffic, Cafe Rio is an attractive tenant for landlords and developers. The leadership team, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, oversees a workforce of approximately 1,001 to 5,000 employees, and the company has garnered numerous accolades for its workplace excellence and business growth.

For commercial real estate professionals, Cafe Rio's established reputation, strong brand presence, and dedication to fresh, made-from-scratch cuisine make it a compelling anchor or co-tenant in retail developments. The company's preference for prominent, high-visibility locations and its proven ability to attract a steady stream of customers highlight its value in the competitive restaurant market.