Cheers to 40 Years: The Story Behind Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Before the packed patios, the Limit 3 stories, and the “let’s just meet at Rio” plans across Colorado, there was one Fort Collins restaurant. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant was built around good food, strong margaritas, and a place where people can leave the world’s problems at the door.

Forty years later, that simple idea is still at the heart of Rio.

How Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Got Its Start

In 1986, Pat McGaughran opened the first Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant alongside his two best friends, twin brothers Andre and Stephen Mouton.

From the beginning, the founders, known as “The Rio Trio”, were hands-on in every part of the restaurant, from construction to cooking. Their goal was to bring Tex-Mex and Yucatán traditions to Fort Collins while creating a place people genuinely wanted to be.

The idea was never to overcomplicate things: make good food, pour a dang good margarita, take care of people, and let the rest speak for itself. What they may not have known was just how thirsty Northern Colorado was for a good margarita…Turns out, very!

From Fort Collins Favorite to Colorado Tradition

Within a couple of years, Rio doubled in size and added a patio in the back. By 1989, the same menu and concept made its way to Pearl Street in Boulder.

Four decades later, the Rio has flourished into a beloved Colorado staple and is still going strong at five Colorado locations:

Known for award-winning margaritas, flamed-grilled marinated fajitas, and good times worth coming back for. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant remains true to its roots.

The Philosophy Behind Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Pat, Andre, and Stephen brought together a love for Tex-Mex and Yucatán traditions, along with a clear commitment to doing things the right way.

Their culinary goals were simple: fresh, made-from-scratch food, hand-rolled tortillas, slow-cooked black beans, and recipes prepared without lard or sodium-based flavor enhancers.

Their philosophy was “Beauty in the basics,” rooted in wholesome food made with love, skill, and pride. Or, as Rio has long said, it is simple food done exceptionally well.

That approach quickly connected with the Fort Collins community and helped shape the Rio experience guests still know today.

Join Rio Grande’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

As a thank you for 40 incredible years of great food, legendary margaritas, and the loyal guests who made it all possible, we’re celebrating the best way we know how.

Join us Monday, June 15, for $5 Rio Classic Margaritas and $10 Burritos, all day at all Rio locations, including Rio on Wazee.

Bring your people, raise a glass, and help us toast to the roots, the regulars, the stories, and the next round.

Vivo Rio!