Marco Rivera
Co-Founder & Head Chef
A culinary visionary with 25+ years of experience, Marco brings the bold, authentic flavors of Latin cuisine to every Cafe Rio dish.
Our Story
About Cafe Rio
Two decades of passion, flavor, and community. Discover the story behind the cafe rio experience that's captured hearts across the United States.
2005
Founded
Who We Are
The cafe rio Story Begins with Flavor
Cafe Rio was born from a simple belief: that great food has the power to bring people together. Founded in 2005 in Frederick, Maryland, our cafe rio journey started with a small kitchen, a passionate team, and a determination to serve food that truly nourishes the soul.
The caferio philosophy has always been rooted in using the freshest ingredients, bold spices, and time-honored recipes inspired by the vibrant flavors of Latin American cuisine. Today, we're proud to serve thousands of guests across the United States — and every dish still carries that same original passion.
- Fresh, locally sourced ingredients every day
- Bold, authentic Rio-inspired flavors
- Family-owned and community-focused
- No artificial preservatives or shortcuts
- Committed to sustainable practices
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to serving guests — is guided by the values that define us.
Freshness First
We source the freshest produce daily. If it isn't fresh enough for our family, it isn't good enough for yours.
Made with Heart
Every recipe is crafted with genuine care and pride. We pour our passion into every plate we prepare.
Community Driven
We're more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place. We support local farmers, suppliers, and neighbors.
Sustainably Minded
From eco-friendly packaging to minimizing food waste, we actively work to protect the planet we all share.
Our Journey
Two Decades of Growth
From a single kitchen in Frederick to a beloved brand across the United States — here's how Cafe Rio grew.
2005
The First Kitchen Opens
Founders Marco and Elena Rivera open the original Cafe Rio on Buckeystown Pike in Frederick, MD — serving 40 guests on day one.
2009
Best New Restaurant Award
Recognized by the Frederick Business Journal as the region's Best New Restaurant — a milestone that fueled our expansion vision.
2012
Second Location Launched
Opening of our second Cafe Rio location, doubling our capacity and bringing our caferio flavors to a wider Maryland audience.
2016
Online Ordering & Delivery
Launched our digital platform and delivery service, making it easy for guests across the United States to enjoy Cafe Rio at home.
2020
Resilience Through Challenge
Adapted our operations to keep our team employed and our community fed — launching a new catering program and expanded menu.
2025
20 Years & Still Growing
Celebrating two decades of bold flavors with 4 locations, 50,000+ loyal guests, and an exciting new menu inspired by global Rio cuisine.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
Our diverse, passionate team is the heartbeat of Cafe Rio. Each member brings unique talent and dedication to every dish we serve.
Elena Rivera
Co-Founder & Operations
Elena's warmth and organizational genius transformed a tiny kitchen into a thriving caferio brand across the United States.
James Okafor
Executive Sous Chef
Classically trained and endlessly creative, James develops seasonal menu innovations that keep Cafe Rio fresh and exciting year-round.
Sofia Chen
Guest Experience Manager
Sofia ensures every guest leaves with a smile. Her dedication to hospitality excellence sets the standard for our entire service team.
Want to be part of the Cafe Rio family?
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