Maria Reyes
Co-Founder & CEOWith a culinary degree from UNLV and 15 years in hospitality, Maria drives Cafe Rio's vision — ensuring every guest leaves happier than they arrived.
Our Story
More Than a Meal —
A Dining Experience
From a small kitchen dream to Henderson's favorite gathering spot, Cafe Rio has always been about bold flavors, genuine hospitality, and the people who make it all happen.
10+
Years of
Flavor
Flavor
Who We Are
Born from a Passion
for Honest Food
Cafe Rio was founded with a simple but powerful conviction: that great food doesn't need to be complicated — it just needs to be honest. Back in 2014, our founders set up in a modest corner of Henderson, NV with two cast-iron pans, a handful of trusted family recipes, and an unshakeable belief in the power of a shared meal.
"We didn't want to open just another restaurant. We wanted to create a place where neighbors become friends and every dish tells a story." — Maria Reyes, Co-Founder
Over the past decade, Cafe Rio has grown from that humble beginning into a beloved dining destination, recognized for its vibrant seasonal menu, warm atmosphere, and a team that genuinely cares. We source our produce from local Nevada farms, partner with regional suppliers, and craft every sauce and marinade from scratch — because shortcuts have no place at our table.
Today, we're proud to serve thousands of guests every month, but the spirit remains exactly the same: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a dining experience that keeps you coming back.
10+
Years in Business
50K+
Happy Guests
120+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Everything we do flows from a set of values we hold close — from how we source our ingredients to how we treat each guest who walks through our door.
Fresh & Local
We partner with Nevada farmers and local suppliers to ensure every ingredient on your plate is as fresh as it gets — seasonal, traceable, and full of flavor.
Cooked with Care
From slow-braised meats to hand-rolled tortillas, every dish is made with intention. We believe the extra effort you put in always shows up on the plate.
Community First
Cafe Rio is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We actively support local events, school programs, and neighborhood initiatives across Henderson.
Sustainable Choices
We minimize food waste, use compostable packaging, and continuously evaluate our supply chain to reduce our environmental footprint one meal at a time.
Our Journey
A Decade of Bold Flavors
From a single storefront to a Henderson institution — here's how we got here.
2014
The First Plate
Maria and Carlos Reyes open Cafe Rio's original 28-seat location on Stephanie St, Henderson. Word spreads fast about the slow-braised burritos and hand-pressed tortillas.
2016
A Seasonal Menu Is Born
Head Chef Daniel Torres joins the team and introduces Cafe Rio's first fully seasonal menu, rotating dishes quarterly to showcase local Nevada produce at its peak.
2018
Catering & Community
Cafe Rio launches its full-service catering division, serving local weddings, corporate events, and school fundraisers. We also start our annual neighborhood block party.
2020
Pivoting with Purpose
During a challenging year, we launch contactless pickup and local delivery — keeping the community fed while supporting our team through a tough period.
2022
Expansion & Recognition
Cafe Rio is named Henderson's Best Restaurant by the Nevada Dining Guide. We expand our dining room, add a private events space, and grow our team to 35 people.
2024
Ten Years & Counting
We celebrate our 10th anniversary with a refreshed menu, a new loyalty program, and the launch of franchise opportunities — taking the Cafe Rio experience beyond Henderson.
Our Mission
To nourish every guest with food that is honest, joyful, and made with pride.
We exist to prove that fresh, locally sourced food can be exciting, accessible, and deeply satisfying — every single visit. Whether it's a quick lunch or a milestone celebration, Cafe Rio is here to make it memorable.
Farm-to-Table Sourcing
Made From Scratch Daily
Zero Shortcuts
Guest-First Culture
The People
Meet the Team Behind the Flavors
Every great dish starts with a passionate person. Meet the heart and hands of Cafe Rio.
Carlos Reyes
Co-Founder & OperationsCarlos keeps the machine running. From supply chain logistics to staff training, his obsessive attention to detail means every shift runs like clockwork.
Daniel Torres
Head ChefTrained in Mexico City and refined in Las Vegas kitchens, Daniel brings bold regional influences to every dish — always seasonal, always surprising, always delicious.
Sofia Lane
Guest Experience ManagerSofia's warmth sets the tone for every visit. She leads front-of-house operations and oversees our catering program, making sure no detail goes unnoticed.
Love what we stand for? We're always looking for passionate people to join us.
Join Our Team