Cafe Rio Mexican Grill will reach a monumental milestone on October 13 at 10:30 a.m. when the doors of their 100th location open in Lehi, Utah.

The company started in 1997 in St. George, Utah, with the goal to satisfy the community’s cravings for fresh Mexican cuisine. In 2004, with four locations, Cafe Rio was sold, and the new ownership had a strong vision of how they wanted to grow their business. Their focus has never waned. Every sauce, dessert and each ingredient is to be prepared fresh and served fresh all day, every day without exception. The policy of no microwaves or freezers and preparation transparency is standard in each location. Every restaurant features a wide-open kitchen, which guests can watch sauces simmer, meats grilling, limes being squeezed and tortillas being hand rolled. The Cafe Rio team is committed to ensuring that each guest receives the same fresh food, regardless of geographical location, by creating a “boot-camp” like training facility at the company’s headquarters in Salt Lake City. In training, consistency is tested, core values are instilled and secret recipes are shared with each team member from every one of their 100 locations, in eleven states nationwide.

Cafe Rio has been tagged in the business world and the restaurant industry as “one to watch.” Their growth, coupled with their ‘die-hard fan’ customer base, makes Cafe Rio keen competition to even the largest competitors. The company refuses to take the easy route in anything they do, whether it be a three-year process to develop a new product launch, the commitment to their made-from-scratch meals, their desire to provide amazing customer service or the millions that the company spends to attract, train and retain the best and brightest employees.

“Utah businesses are thriving and it is great to celebrate the opening of Cafe Rio's 100th location in Lehi,” says Gov. Gary Herbert. "Private companies like Cafe Rio, are fine examples of why Utah is a premiere place to do business. Cafe Rio is dedicated to our state and to their employees, and I am proud to recognize their outstanding achievements in Utah." Governor Herbert will be at the Lehi store opening on October 13th to give the company a declaration and say a few words.

“This is a momentous occasion for Cafe Rio and we are so honored that Governor Herbert, Lehi Mayor Bert Wilson and Ginette Bott from Utah Food Bank will be present at our 100th grand opening celebration,” says Cafe Rio’s CEO and COO, Dave Gagnon. “This is a true iconic mark in our company’s history. We are so proud of our team and their dedication, they are the reason we are able to achieve this incredible milestone. We welcome everyone to join us for the festivities and celebrate No. 100.”

Cafe Rio is pulling out all stops at their 100th opening, starting at 10 a.m. From the Skyridge High School marching band and cheerleaders, to a BMX bike tour group doing stunts in the parking lot, you won’t want to miss this celebration. 

Other highlights will include Lehi Mayor Bert Wilson presenting Cafe Rio with a key to the city, the ribbon cutting ceremony, the JAZZ Bear, and Lehi firefighters interacting with attendees of the celebration. Attendees can expect a few surprises, and are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m.

Cafe Rio plans to continue honoring their commitment to give back in their communities by officially announcing a local Utah partnership with the Utah Food Bank. The company plans to solidify their partnership at the Lehi grand opening by making a generous $2,500 donation to the organization.

“Utah Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Cafe Rio for joining us as a partner in fighting hunger statewide, and we look forward a successful long-term partnership with a fellow Utah institution,” says Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank chief development officer. “With our ability to turn each dollar donated into $7.35 of goods and services, Cafe Rio’s support will go a long way in helping the 423,000 Utahans who face hunger."

Cafe Rio invites the media and everyone to join them for their 100th grand opening festivities in Lehi, on October 13 at 10:30 A.M.

“We are excited to have Cafe Rio open its 100th store in Lehi,” states Lehi Mayor Wilson. “This shows the success of a leading and exemplary business, and that the State of Utah is thriving. Lehi welcomes such a great eating establishment and wishes them well.”