At Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, we believe in caring for our food and providing great value to our patrons while looking out for the greater good of the community and the planet. From where we source our ingredients to how we manage waste at our restaurants, sustainability isn’t just a trend at Rio. 

We’ve been a part of these communities for over 35 years, which means our roots run deep. That’s why we’ve made and continue to make conscious choices to partner with local businesses, reduce our environmental impact, and create dining experiences that reflect our respect for the land and its inhabitants.

Here’s a closer look at what sustainability means to us and how we apply it daily at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.

Fresh Ingredients, Made In-House

You can’t beat a tortilla that’s still warm from the grill. That’s why we make our flour and corn tortillas fresh throughout the day, aiming to serve them within minutes of cooking! We also hand-grate our cheese and chop produce in-house. Skipping pre-cut and pre-shredded shortcuts helps us eliminate added preservatives from our dishes. It’s extra effort, but well worth it for fresh food that tastes good.

Supporting Local Producers

We are proud to source many of our ingredients from local and regional farms and food producers. Fresh, local food tastes better, and supporting Colorado farmers and other businesses strengthens our local economy!

We love to support local businesses whenever possible. That includes working with Raquelitas, a Denver-based chip maker, and Royal Crest, our trusted partner for milk, buttermilk, and sour cream.

Responsibly Sourced Seafood

When it comes to seafood, we’re selective. Our shrimp fajitas feature wild-caught shrimp. We also serve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified cod and mahi. These are sustainably sourced to support healthy oceans! It’s our way of ensuring great taste goes hand in hand with responsible choices.

Reducing Waste with Every Meal We Make

Behind the scenes, our teams work hard to reduce waste and minimize the Rio’s environmental impact. Here are some ways the Rio is making a difference:

  • Composting: We ensure we’re effectively composting at each of our locations.
  • Recycling:  We opt for recyclable materials as much as possible and are diligent with our recycling program.
  • High-Efficiency Equipment: We use LED lighting and manage our energy usage with sensors. We also have toilets that help conserve water!

Quality and Integrity – Always

At Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, we never compromise on quality. Whether crafting our famous margaritas or making a batch of our in-house-made tortillas, we use carefully sourced ingredients.

While we’re beyond proud of our sustainable practices in the kitchen, we’re also extremely pleased to share that sustainability goes beyond the food at the Rio! We’re committed to:

  • Our Team: We’re committed to providing our team members with fair wages and a positive work environment. 
  • Being a Good Neighbour: We’re proud to support our communities by supporting local organizations and causes. For over a decade, we’ve hosted weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in our Agave Room free of charge. We sponsor the Rio Elite cycling team, including athletes who have competed in the Tour de France. And supporting events like Great Plates, Rams Against Hunger, Bike to Work Day, and the Horsetooth Half Marathon. We also contribute to food banks and food-focused programs across Colorado!
  • Ease of Access: We make choosing sustainable transportation easy for guests and staff by offering bike racks at each location and situating our restaurants near public transit. 

We know there will always be more work to be done when it comes to sustainability. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to pushing ourselves further. We’re always looking for new ways to support Colorado agriculture, reduce emissions, and give back to the land that feeds us.

When you dine at the Rio, you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re supporting a local Mexican restaurant that puts people, the planet, and our communities first! Visit us soon and taste the difference that local sourcing and sustainability can make!