A Family Recipe
Turned Community Favorite
Cafe Rio started as a weekend pop-up by Rio and Maria Santos, a couple who believed that food made with love should be accessible to everyone. What began in a borrowed kitchen on Buckeystown Pike quickly grew into the vibrant, bustling cafe you see today.
"We never wanted to just run a restaurant. We wanted to build a table big enough for the whole neighborhood."
Over the years, we've stayed true to our roots — sourcing fresh, local ingredients, crafting every dish by hand, and treating every guest like family. From our signature burritos to our handcrafted drinks, every bite tells our story.
- Fresh ingredients sourced locally from Maryland farms
- Every recipe developed in-house by our culinary team
- A welcoming space for families, friends & solo diners
- Community-driven events and seasonal menus year-round
Our Mission & Core Values
Everything we do at Cafe Rio is guided by a set of values that go beyond the plate — shaping how we cook, how we hire, and how we show up for our community.
Fresh Ingredients
We partner with local Maryland farms to ensure everything on your plate is as fresh as it gets — no compromises, ever.
Made with Care
Every dish is prepared with genuine passion. Our kitchen team treats each order as if they're cooking for their own family.
Community First
We actively invest in our neighborhood — from hosting local events to partnering with schools and nonprofits across Frederick.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to energy-efficient kitchens, we're committed to leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.
A Decade of Delicious Milestones
From a humble pop-up stall to Frederick's favorite neighborhood cafe — here's how our story unfolded.
The First Pop-Up
Rio and Maria Santos launch a weekend food stall at the Frederick Farmers Market, serving 50 portions of their signature burritos — and selling out in two hours.
Cafe Rio Opens Its Doors
After two years of saving and planning, Cafe Rio opens its first permanent location on Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, with a team of just 5 people and a menu of 20 items.
Best New Restaurant Award
Frederick Magazine names Cafe Rio "Best New Restaurant in Frederick County," marking a turning point in the cafe's journey from neighborhood gem to regional destination.
Catering & Delivery Launch
Cafe Rio expands into corporate catering and online delivery — bringing the flavors of the cafe to offices, celebrations, and homes across the region.
Community Relief Efforts
During the pandemic, Cafe Rio pivoted swiftly — offering free meals to healthcare workers, partnering with local food banks, and keeping all 30 employees on payroll.
Renovation & Expansion
A major renovation doubles the dining space, adds an outdoor patio, and introduces a dedicated event room — cementing Cafe Rio as a premier venue for community gatherings.
50,000 Guests Milestone
Cafe Rio celebrates serving its 50,000th guest — a milestone marked with a community feast, live music, and the launch of our new seasonal farm-to-table menu series.
Meet Our Team
Our team is the soul of Cafe Rio. Every meal you enjoy is the result of their skill, creativity, and genuine care for every guest who walks through our doors.
Rio Santos
Founder & Head ChefA self-taught chef with a heart as big as his portions, Rio brings 20+ years of culinary passion to every dish. His philosophy: "Simple ingredients, extraordinary love."
Maria Santos
Co-Founder & ManagerMaria is the organizational powerhouse behind Cafe Rio. From coordinating catering events to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile, she leads with warmth and precision.
James Carter
Executive Sous ChefJames trained in culinary schools across the East Coast before joining Cafe Rio in 2016. He spearheads our seasonal menu innovation and daily specials with bold, creative flair.
Aisha Williams
Catering & Events DirectorAisha has orchestrated hundreds of successful catering events for Cafe Rio — from intimate birthday dinners to large corporate luncheons. Every event is her masterpiece.
Interested in joining our passionate team?
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