In the competitive landscape of fast-casual dining, Cafe Rio Mexican Grill stands out not just for its commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, but also for its dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for everyone connected to the brand. At the helm of this growing restaurant chain is CEO Steve Vaughan, whose leadership philosophy and vision have helped shape Cafe Rio’s distinctive culture and expansion across eleven states.
From Oklahoma to Cafe Rio: A Journey of Leadership
Steve Vaughan’s path to becoming CEO of Cafe Rio began far from the company’s Salt Lake City headquarters. Originally from Oklahoma, Vaughan spent 23 years with Sonic, America’s Drive-in, primarily in finance roles that built his business acumen and industry knowledge.
“I received a call in 2015 from a headhunter about a President/CFO role with Cafe Rio, which I had never heard of before the call,” Vaughan recalls. What followed was a discovery that would change the trajectory of his career. “After eating Cafe Rio’s food for the first time and meeting the Cafe Rio management team, I knew I wanted to be a part of this company.”
In 2019, Vaughan was offered the opportunity to step into the CEO role—a position he has now held for over six years, guiding the company through significant growth and evolution.
A Mission That Changes Lives
What truly distinguishes Cafe Rio in the crowded restaurant industry is its compelling mission statement: “Creating opportunities and changing the lives of everyone we serve.”
This mission extends beyond the typical customer-focused approach. As Vaughan explains, “We feel this mission is applicable to all of our stakeholders—team members, vendor partners, and customers.”
The mission statement wasn’t just a marketing slogan but a natural evolution of the company’s cultural development. “When I arrived at Cafe Rio, the team had put a lot of effort into shaping a strong culture, working with Senn Delaney,” says Vaughan. “Establishing the formal mission statement was a natural next step as we worked to further define and shape our culture toward providing life-changing opportunities for everyone touched by the Cafe Rio brand.”
This focus on creating opportunities aligns perfectly with Cafe Rio’s operational philosophy. With no freezers, no microwaves, and nothing premade, staff members begin each day preparing fresh ingredients and crafting chef-inspired recipes from scratch. This commitment to quality creates an environment where culinary skills are developed and valued—a tangible expression of the opportunities the company strives to provide.
Leadership Philosophies That Shape Culture
Vaughan’s leadership approach has been significantly influenced by his mentor, Gene Rainbolt, who founded what eventually became the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma.
“Gene was one of the most humble individuals I ever knew, even though he had achieved great success in his business,” Vaughan reflects. “We met for monthly lunches for several years, and I always looked forward to hearing his advice on whatever problem I was facing that week.”
What stood out to Vaughan was how Rainbolt made everyone feel valued. “He made you feel like an equal, introducing you to everyone that stopped by our table to greet him, and he knew a lot of people.”
This experience shaped Vaughan’s own leadership style at Cafe Rio. “I’ve attempted to lead with that same humble style and demonstrate that every individual that comes into contact with the Cafe Rio brand should be treated fairly and with respect. I’ve also attempted to mentor others and look for potential in each of our team members.”
When asked about essential leadership attributes, Vaughan doesn’t hesitate: “Humility, curiosity, integrity, accountability, respectfulness, and a coaching/mentoring mindset.” These values permeate the organization, creating a workplace culture that attracts and retains talent.
Adapting to Challenges: The Situational Leader
The restaurant industry is known for its constant change and unique challenges. Vaughan believes leadership must be adaptable to be effective.
“I do believe some leaders’ styles are more suited to certain situations,” he acknowledges. “However, a great leader is able to modify their style to the particular challenge they or their organization may be facing.”
This flexibility has served Cafe Rio well as it has expanded to 146 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming—each with its own regional nuances and market dynamics.
Advice for Career Success and Finding Your Place at Cafe Rio
For those aspiring to follow a career path similar to his, Vaughan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning.
“I believe you will get out of your career what you are willing to put into it,” he states. “One of the key contributors to my success has been my desire to constantly learn—whether it’s from observing successful people around you, reading books, or pursuing educational opportunities even after you’ve formally received your degree.”
He adds, “The world is constantly changing, and in order to be successful, we must stay curious and open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.”
For individuals specifically interested in joining the Cafe Rio team, Vaughan suggests a values-first approach to job seeking. “I would recommend you look for a company that shares your personal values. I feel our most successful and satisfied team members are those who want to live our mission every day and strive to live our core values both at work and in their personal lives.”
Fresh Food, Fresh Opportunities
As Cafe Rio continues to expand its footprint across the United States, the company remains committed to its founding principles: fresh ingredients, made-from-scratch preparation, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and development.
Under Steve Vaughan’s leadership, Cafe Rio has become more than just a place for fresh Mexican cuisine—it’s a community where careers are built, skills are developed, and lives are changed through purposeful opportunities.
For those seeking a workplace that values personal growth as much as professional development, Cafe Rio’s mission to “create opportunities and change the lives of everyone we serve” offers a compelling invitation to be part of something truly meaningful in the fast-casual dining space.
