Maria Santos
Founder & Head Chef
The visionary behind Cafe Rio. Maria's passion for family recipes and fresh ingredients sparked a restaurant that Henderson can call its own.
13+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Guests
120+
Menu Items
28
Team Members
Who We Are
A Family Recipe
Turned Community Staple
Cafe Rio began in 2011 when founder Maria Santos set out to recreate the vibrant, flavor-forward dishes she grew up eating at her grandmother's table in New Mexico. Starting with a modest 12-seat counter in Henderson, Nevada, she quickly earned a loyal following drawn to her uncompromising use of fresh ingredients and honest cooking.
What started as a solo operation grew organically — never chasing trends, always staying true to the original mission: deliver food that nourishes and delights without compromise. Today, Cafe Rio is a full-service neighborhood restaurant with a passionate team of cooks, servers, and creators who share that same vision.
We source from local Nevada farms wherever possible, hand-press our tortillas daily, and make every sauce from scratch. No shortcuts, no pre-packaged fillers — just real food made with care and served with a smile.
Explore Our MenuWhat Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Values
Every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to designing the menu — is guided by a clear set of values we've held since day one.
Fresh Always
We prep daily and never serve yesterday's food. Every plate is made to order using the freshest ingredients we can source.
Honest Sourcing
We partner with local Nevada farmers and trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Community First
Henderson is our home. We give back through local events, food drives, and partnerships that strengthen our neighborhood.
Excellence in Every Bite
We hold ourselves to a high standard — in the kitchen, on the floor, and in every interaction with our guests.
Our Journey
How We Got Here
From a humble counter to a beloved Henderson institution — here are the milestones that shaped Cafe Rio.
2011
Doors Open
Maria Santos opens Cafe Rio at 509 N Stephanie St with 12 seats, a handwritten menu, and a dream to serve Henderson honest food.
2013
First Expansion
Overwhelming demand drives our first renovation — doubling seating capacity and adding a full open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
2015
Catering Launch
We introduce full-service catering for corporate and private events across the Las Vegas Valley, bringing Cafe Rio flavors to every table.
2018
"Best of Henderson" Award
Cafe Rio is named Best Local Restaurant by Henderson Living magazine — a milestone that humbled and motivated our entire team.
2021
10th Anniversary
We celebrate a decade of service with a refreshed menu, a community feast for 500 guests, and the launch of our online ordering platform.
2024
Farm Partnership Program
Cafe Rio formalizes sourcing agreements with four Nevada farms, committing to 70% locally grown produce across our seasonal menu offerings.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
Our team is the heart of Cafe Rio. Every person here brings passion, craft, and genuine care to every shift.
Daniel Reyes
Executive Sous Chef
With 12 years of culinary experience across the Southwest, Daniel brings precision, creativity, and bold flavor profiles to the Cafe Rio kitchen.
Priya Nair
Operations Manager
Priya keeps everything running smoothly — from supplier relationships to staff scheduling. Her organizational skills are the engine that drives Cafe Rio.
James Okafor
Pastry Chef
James is the artist behind our dessert menu. Trained in New York and inspired by West African sweets, he adds a touch of the extraordinary to every meal.
Passionate about food? We'd love to meet you.
View Open Positions