Our Story

Fresh Food, Real Passion

We started with a simple belief: great food should be made with love, real ingredients, and a commitment to the community we serve.

12+ Years of Fresh Flavor

50K+ Happy Customers

85+ Menu Items

4.9 Average Rating

Costa Vida kitchen with fresh ingredients being prepared

2012 Founded

Our Story

Born From a Love of Real Food

Costa Vida began in 2012 in the heart of Gilbert, Arizona, when founder Maria Santos decided the neighborhood deserved more than fast food shortcuts. Armed with her grandmother's recipes and an unshakeable belief in whole ingredients, she opened the doors to what would become a beloved community staple.

What started as a small 12-table restaurant quickly gained a reputation for food that tasted homemade — because it was. From slow-cooked meats to hand-rolled tortillas and salsas made fresh every morning, every dish told a story of care and craft.

"We don't cut corners because our customers deserve better than that. Every plate that leaves our kitchen carries our name — and we take that seriously."
— Maria Santos, Founder

Today, Costa Vida serves thousands of families each month while staying true to those original values: fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a warm welcome every single time.

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Purpose

Our Mission & Vision

Everything we do is guided by a clear purpose — to bring fresh, vibrant food to every table with honesty and heart.

Our Mission

To serve fresh, flavorful food made from honest ingredients that nourish our community and bring people together around the table — every single day.

Our Vision

To be the go-to destination for fresh, vibrant meals in the Southwest — a place where quality is never compromised and every guest feels genuinely welcome.

Our Promise

Real ingredients, prepared fresh daily. No shortcuts, no compromises. Every dish that leaves our kitchen represents our unwavering commitment to quality.

Costa Vida team preparing fresh food together in the kitchen

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Freshness First

We source local produce and premium proteins daily. If it isn't fresh, it doesn't go on the plate — it's that simple.

Community at Heart

We're proud to be part of Gilbert, AZ. We hire locally, source locally, and give back through community partnerships and food drives.

Uncompromising Quality

From kitchen prep to your table, every step is guided by high standards. We train our team to care about the details that matter to you.

Sustainability

We're actively reducing our environmental footprint — from compostable packaging to minimizing food waste and supporting sustainable farming.

Our Journey

How We Got Here

From a single small restaurant to a thriving community institution — here's our story, year by year.

2012

The Beginning

Maria Santos opens the first Costa Vida location on S Market St in Gilbert, AZ with just 12 tables and a menu of 20 items inspired by family recipes.

2014

Community Recognition

Costa Vida is voted "Best New Restaurant" by Gilbert Community Awards. The team grows to 15 staff members and we extend our hours to serve dinner.

2016

Catering Launch

We launch our catering service, bringing Costa Vida's fresh flavors to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across the East Valley.

2019

Kitchen Expansion

Major kitchen expansion doubles our food prep capacity, allowing us to add 30 new menu items and partner with three local family farms for produce.

2021

Online Ordering

We launch our online ordering platform and contactless pickup service, making Costa Vida's freshness more accessible to the entire Gilbert community.

2024

Today & Beyond

Serving 50,000+ happy customers annually, Costa Vida continues to grow while staying true to its roots — fresh food, genuine hospitality, and community love.

The Team

Meet the People Behind Costa Vida

Our passionate crew shows up every day to craft the freshest, most flavorful food in Gilbert. Say hello to the faces behind your favorites.

Maria Santos

Founder & CEO

The heart of Costa Vida. Maria's grandmother taught her that food is love — and she's been proving it every day since 2012.

Carlos Rivera

Head Chef

With 18 years in professional kitchens, Carlos designs every dish with technique and soul, turning fresh ingredients into memorable meals.

Priya Nair

Operations Manager

Priya ensures every order, every shift, and every experience runs seamlessly. She is the reason Costa Vida feels effortless from the inside out.

Jake Morrison

Catering & Events Lead

Jake brings Costa Vida magic to events of every size — from intimate dinners to corporate gatherings — with precision, creativity, and a smile.

Ready to experience what our team has crafted?

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