Our Story

About Cafe Rio

Born on University Ave in Berkeley, Cafe Rio has been serving fresh, soulful food to our community since 2010 — one honest plate at a time.

15+

Years Serving

50k+

Happy Guests

80+

Menu Items

Local Suppliers

Cafe Rio kitchen with fresh ingredients being prepared

15 Years of
Fresh Food

How It All Began

The cafe rio Story

Cafe Rio opened its doors in 2010 with a single, unwavering belief: that great food should be honest, fresh, and accessible to everyone. Founded by chef Maria Vargas and entrepreneur James Caldwell, our little cafe on University Ave quickly became a beloved Berkeley institution.

What started as a 12-seat breakfast spot has grown into a full-service neighborhood cafe — but our spirit hasn't changed. Every morning, we source from local farms and trusted suppliers to bring you the freshest ingredients possible. The caferio experience is built on seasonal menus, scratch-made recipes, and genuine hospitality.

Today, Cafe Rio is proud to serve thousands of guests each month, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and our celebrated weekend brunch — all rooted in the same values that launched us over a decade ago.

Locally sourced ingredients from 12+ Bay Area farms
Scratch-made recipes — nothing from a box or can
Seasonal menus that change with the harvest
Family-friendly space with a warm, community feel

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Vision

We exist to nourish our community — body and spirit — through food that is made with integrity, served with warmth, and enjoyed in good company.

Fresh First

Every dish starts with the best seasonal produce. We partner with local farmers to ensure peak freshness reaches your plate daily.

Community First

Cafe Rio is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We invest in the neighborhoods and people who have supported us from day one.

Sustainability

From compostable packaging to zero-waste kitchen practices, we work to reduce our environmental footprint every step of the way.

Quality Always

We never cut corners. Each recipe is tested, tasted, and refined until it earns a permanent spot on our menu — and in your heart.

What We Believe

Our Core Values

These are the principles that shape every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to hiring team members and serving guests.

Integrity

We are transparent about where our food comes from, how it's made, and what goes into it. No shortcuts, no secrets — just honest food.

Inclusivity

Our table is open to everyone. We celebrate diversity in our team, our guests, and our menus — offering options for all diets and lifestyles.

Creativity

Our chefs are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and push culinary boundaries — bringing exciting new flavors to familiar comfort foods.

Responsibility

We take our environmental impact seriously, sourcing responsibly and reducing waste at every stage — from farm to table to compost.

Joy

Food should make people happy. We create an atmosphere where every visit feels like a warm reunion with good friends and great flavors.

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest standards — in ingredient quality, food preparation, guest service, and every aspect of the cafe rio experience.

Our Journey

A History of Growth

From a tiny breakfast counter to Berkeley's most-loved neighborhood cafe — here's how Cafe Rio grew over the years.

2010

The Beginning

Maria Vargas and James Caldwell open Cafe Rio at 2066 University Ave with 12 seats, a handwritten menu, and a dream to serve the best breakfast in Berkeley.

2012

Expanding the Menu

Growing demand leads to a full lunch menu launch. We expand to 40 seats after renovation and hire our first dedicated kitchen team of four.

2015

Farm Partnerships

Cafe Rio formalizes partnerships with 8 Bay Area farms and launches our first seasonal menu — a rotating showcase of the best local produce each quarter.

2017

Catering Launch

Our catering arm officially launches, bringing the caferio experience to corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings across the Bay Area.

2020

Community Resilience

During difficult times, Cafe Rio pivots to community meal programs, providing over 5,000 free meals to local families, healthcare workers, and first responders.

2022

Full Renovation

A top-to-bottom renovation expands seating to 80, adds a dedicated events room, and introduces a state-of-the-art open kitchen for a truly immersive dining experience.

2024

Online Ordering

Cafe Rio launches its full online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy our fresh food at home with direct delivery and pickup options.

Today

Still Growing

With 50,000+ guests served and counting, Cafe Rio continues to evolve — new dishes, new partnerships, and the same unwavering commitment to honest, fresh food.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Our talented team brings together decades of culinary expertise, hospitality experience, and a shared passion for fresh, honest food.

Maria Vargas

Co-Founder & Executive Chef

With training from the Culinary Institute of America and 20 years in professional kitchens, Maria is the creative force behind every dish at Cafe Rio.

James Caldwell

Co-Founder & General Manager

A Berkeley native with a background in hospitality management, James ensures every guest leaves Cafe Rio feeling like part of the family.

Sofia Chen

Head Pastry Chef

Sofia's artisan breads, seasonal tarts, and legendary croissants have earned Cafe Rio a devoted following of early-morning regulars across Berkeley.

David Osei

Head of Catering & Events

With a flair for scale and detail, David leads our catering team to deliver exceptional Cafe Rio quality for events of all sizes — from 10 to 500 guests.

Cafe Rio dining room with warm lighting and inviting atmosphere

Fresh cafe rio dishes beautifully plated on the counter

Cafe Rio open kitchen preparation area with team at work

Ready to Experience It?

Come Taste What We're About

Stop by our table on University Ave, or order online and enjoy the Cafe Rio experience wherever you are. We'd love to feed you.

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