Bites Nearby: Chipotle or Cafe Rio?

“Boom, boom, boom, boom, enchilada style!”  That’s what you might hear if you order an enchilada-style burrito at the new Cafe Rio in Manassas.

Cafe Rio originated in St. George Utah in 1997.  Wednesday, July 13, the Mexican-style restaurant opened its doors at 7803 Sudley Road. 

Brenda Ricks, director of Public Relations was on site to make sure everyone was pleased with their meals. Staff eagerly awaited to serve the first customers and even offered tours of the kitchen during the grand opening.

Manssas residents Cruise and Chase Campbell, along with their mother, were given the opportunity to learn how to make their own flour tortillas with the help of the friendly staff (see photos).

Chief Marketing Officer for Cafe Rio Ben Craner said the biggest difference between Cafe Rio and Chipotle is that the restaurant makes everything from scratch.

"We don't heat up cans of beans. We use the highest grade cuts of meat; most places will use a lower grade because they are going to hide it in a burrito," he said.

Fresh food is delivered daily and there are no freezers or microwaves, which allows the restaurant to offer high-quality and fresh food.

Serving handmade tortillas that are rolled and made from scratch in their open-view kitchen is just one of the ways to make every meal a “masterpiece."  

Tortillas are made fresh by-the-minute as you order.  You can even watch them being made as you walk through the line. 

Cafe Rio serves everything from burritos, enchiladas, salads, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more.  The kitchen is filled with around 20 employees that you can see making fresh ingredients by the minute.

Don’t have time to get out  and dine in?  That’s OK; the cafe accepts phone orders so you can pick up your meal. They have two employees that take orders, which is ready for pick up in 15 minutes, and you will not have to wait in line to pick it up. 

“We want to keep customers happy,” says Elaine Archuleta; Ambassador of Customer Service. 

One thing is for sure, the Campbell family will return to Cafe Rio:

"Cafe Rio’s food and energy of the staff was awesome I just have three words for Cafe Rio, “Welcome to Manassas!"