About Cafe Rio
Discover the story, the people, and the passion behind the flavors that have made Cafe Rio a beloved destination for fresh, bold food in Henderson, NV and beyond.
From a Small Kitchen to a Community Staple
Cafe Rio was born out of a simple belief: that great food has the power to bring people together. Founded in 2012 by chef Marco Rivera in Henderson, Nevada, the cafe started as a cozy 10-table spot serving freshly crafted breakfast and lunch to the local community. The name "cafe rio" — Spanish for "river cafe" — reflects our philosophy of flowing, fresh ingredients that nourish and delight.
Word spread fast. Within two years, Cafe Rio expanded its dining room and introduced a full-service dinner menu. Today, caferio is recognized across the Southwest for bold flavors, quality sourcing, and an atmosphere that feels like home. Every dish we serve carries the same care and creativity that fueled that original tiny kitchen.
- Locally sourced ingredients from Nevada & neighboring farms
- Scratch-made recipes developed by our in-house culinary team
- Family-friendly atmosphere with something for every palate
- Committed to sustainable practices and zero food waste
Our Mission & Vision
At Cafe Rio, we are driven by three core pillars that guide every decision we make — from recipe development to how we greet our guests.
Our Mission
To create memorable dining experiences through bold, fresh food made with genuine care — nourishing our community one plate at a time. We believe every meal is an opportunity to make someone's day better.
Our Vision
To become the most loved restaurant brand in the Southwest — known not just for extraordinary flavors but for the warm, welcoming culture we build in every location, every day.
Our Promise
We promise to always use quality ingredients, treat every guest like family, and continuously innovate our menu to keep flavors exciting — while honoring the roots that made caferio what it is today.
Core Values That Guide Us
Our values are not just words on a wall — they are the daily practices that define how we cook, how we serve, and how we grow as a team and community.
Freshness First
We source local, seasonal ingredients and prep everything from scratch each day. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest who walks through our door deserves warmth, attentiveness, and an experience they'll remember.
Bold Innovation
We honor our roots while continuously experimenting with new flavors, techniques, and menu concepts.
Community Impact
From hiring locally to partnering with neighborhood farms, we invest in the community that has embraced us.
The Cafe Rio Story,
Year by Year
The First Table
Chef Marco Rivera opens the original Cafe Rio on Sunset Rd with just 10 tables, a bold menu of 18 items, and a dream to serve the best fresh food in Henderson, NV.
Expanding the Dining Room
Demand outgrew the original space. Cafe Rio expands to 40 seats, hires its first full kitchen team, and launches a dinner menu that quickly earns rave reviews.
Award-Winning Flavors
Cafe Rio wins "Best New Restaurant" at the Henderson Dining Awards. Our signature Rio Bowl and Sunrise Tacos become local favorites celebrated city-wide.
Catering & Events Launch
We introduce full-service catering for corporate events, weddings, and private parties — bringing the caferio experience to kitchens and venues across the Southwest.
Digital Ordering & Delivery
Cafe Rio launches its online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy fresh food at home. Same-day delivery rolls out across Henderson.
Franchise Program Opens
After a decade of proven success, Cafe Rio opens its franchise program to bring bold flavors and the caferio spirit to communities across the United States.
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team is the heart of Cafe Rio. Each person brings unique talent, dedication, and a love for great food to everything we do.
Marco Rivera
Founder & Head ChefWith 20+ years of culinary experience, Marco's vision for bold, fresh flavors is the foundation of everything we create at Cafe Rio.
Sofia Chen
Pastry ChefSofia's artisan desserts and baked goods have earned Cafe Rio a reputation for sweet endings that guests travel across the city to experience.
James Okafor
Operations ManagerJames keeps Cafe Rio running smoothly behind the scenes — managing supply chains, staff scheduling, and ensuring every shift runs like clockwork.
Priya Menon
Guest Experience LeadPriya is the warm face of Cafe Rio's front-of-house — training our service team and ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and a reason to return.