Co-Founder & Chef
Marco Rivera
With over 20 years of culinary experience, Marco's innovative flavors and dedication to fresh ingredients are the heartbeat of Cafe Rio's kitchen.
Our Story
Crafted with Passion,
Served with Heart
Since 2010, Cafe Rio has been Henderson's beloved gathering place for fresh, flavorful food and genuine warm hospitality. Every dish tells a story — and we'd love to share ours with you.
15+ Years
Of Excellence
Who We Are
A Family-Born Vision of Fresh, Honest Food
Cafe Rio was born in 2010 from a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a meal made with real ingredients, real care, and real flavor. Founders Marco and Elena Rivera opened our first location in Henderson, NV with little more than a trusted family recipe book and an unshakeable passion for cooking.
What started as a neighborhood café quickly grew into a cornerstone of the community. Today, Cafe Rio employs over 40 local team members and continues to serve hundreds of guests daily — all while keeping the same commitment to quality and warmth that defined us from day one.
- Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients every day
- Handcrafted recipes rooted in family tradition
- A welcoming space for every guest, every time
- Community partnerships and local giving back
- Sustainable practices from kitchen to table
15+
Years in Business
40+
Team Members
500+
Daily Guests
4.9★
Average Rating
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to how we greet guests — is guided by the values that have defined Cafe Rio since the beginning.
Quality First
We never compromise on the quality of our ingredients or the care we put into every dish. Excellence is non-negotiable at every step.
Genuine Hospitality
We treat every guest as family. Warmth, attentiveness, and respect are at the core of every interaction — from the first hello to the last goodbye.
Constant Innovation
We honor tradition while embracing creativity. Our menu evolves with the seasons and with the tastes of our community, keeping things fresh and exciting.
Responsible Stewardship
From reducing food waste to choosing eco-conscious packaging, we take our responsibility to the planet and community seriously every single day.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
Our talented team of passionate food lovers, dedicated chefs, and warm-hearted hospitality professionals are what make Cafe Rio truly special.
Co-Founder & Operations
Elena Rivera
Elena's vision for warm, seamless guest experiences shapes everything from our dining room design to the way our team greets every customer.
Head Pastry Chef
James Thornton
James brings 12 years of patisserie expertise from New York to Henderson, crafting desserts that have become fan favorites across our menu.
Guest Experience Manager
Sofia Mendez
Sofia's background in luxury hospitality ensures that every guest at Cafe Rio feels truly seen, heard, and valued from arrival to departure.
Interested in being part of our passionate team?
View Open PositionsOur Journey
A History Built on Flavor
From a small café dream to Henderson's dining landmark — here's how we grew, one meal at a time.
2010
The Doors Open
Marco and Elena Rivera open the first Cafe Rio location on E Sunset Rd in Henderson, NV. Serving 30 covers a day with a 12-item menu rooted in family recipes, the café quickly earns a loyal neighborhood following.
2013
First Local Award
Cafe Rio receives the Henderson Chamber of Commerce "Best New Restaurant" award, recognizing our commitment to quality and community. Guest capacity doubles as we expand the dining room.
2015
Catering & Events Launch
We launch our catering and private events service, bringing Cafe Rio's flavors to weddings, corporate gatherings, and community events across the greater Henderson and Las Vegas area.
2018
Sustainability Pledge
Cafe Rio formalizes its sustainability initiative — eliminating single-use plastics, partnering with three local organic farms, and composting 90% of kitchen waste. We earn our first Green Business certification.
2021
Online Ordering Goes Live
We launch our online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy Cafe Rio from home. Within six months, online orders account for 35% of total revenue, helping us serve more guests than ever.
2025
15 Years & Growing
Celebrating 15 incredible years, Cafe Rio serves over 500 guests daily, employs a team of 40+, and remains proudly independent and family-owned. The next chapter promises even more exciting flavors and experiences.
Our Space
A Place to Gather & Savor
Designed for comfort and connection, our dining space is an inviting backdrop for everything from quick lunches to long, leisurely dinners.
