Cafe Rio Offers BOGO Meals to University of Utah Students and Faculty

Classes are back, Utes are back, and Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican is serving up a back-to-school welcome that applies to all on campus, even the competition. Throughout September, the Utah‑born Mexican fast-casual brand is offering University of Utah students and faculty a Buy One, Get One Free School Meal Deal at its 4th South location at 532 E 400 S in Salt Lake City. And because Cafe Rio believes there’s always room at the table, it’s extending a warm Utah welcome to a new competitor, the Mexican restaurant that recently opened on the University of Utah campus.

For the entire month, employees of the new restaurant can enjoy a free meal at Cafe Rio simply by showing valid proof of employment. After all, no one knows Utah better than Cafe Rio, a Utah-born favorite that has been serving the state for nearly 30 years. It’s Cafe Rio’s way of giving its newest neighbor a taste of what real Utah-born Mexican food is all about.

For the entire month of September, students and faculty with a valid school ID can purchase one qualifying $10 School Meal Deal and receive a second one FREE – making it easy to bring along a roommate, classmate or study buddy. Cafe Rio’s School Meal Deal features a handheld burrito, bowl or two-taco entrée paired with a regular drink, giving students a fresh, made-from-scratch meal at a value that works for any budget.

“We’ve been part of Utah’s food scene for nearly 30 years, so welcoming new neighbors is something we’re happy to do,” said Mike Burns, Chief Executive Officer of Cafe Rio. “Cafe Rio knows Utah; we love Utah and we love feeding the people who call it home. So whether you’re heading to class, grabbing lunch between meetings or joining the neighborhood for the first time, our doors are open.”

While the $10 Student Meal Deal is available at all Cafe Rio locations, the University of Utah School Meal Deal BOGO comes as Cafe Rio continues its renewed focus on value, innovation and listening to its guests. Earlier this year, the brand introduced the handheld burrito, a new entrée option available at Cafe Rio restaurants nationwide that brings the brand’s made-from-scratch flavors into a convenient, portable format. As part of that lineup, Utah guests can also get their hands on the Utah Handheld Burrito, a Utah-exclusive limited-time offering featuring seasoned ground beef, pickled pico de gallo, chili-lime fries, secret burger sauce, a blend of cheeses and fresh lettuce, all wrapped in a scratch-made tortilla and served with a side of Cafe Rio’s signature Fry Sauce.

Priced under $10, the Utah Handheld Burrito puts a uniquely local spin on Cafe Rio’s newest entrée and gives Utahns another reason to make Cafe Rio part of their back-to-school routine.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Cafe Rio’s menu is inspired by the authentic flavors of Mexico’s Northern Rio Grande region, southern Texas and New Mexico. Over the past three decades, the brand has built a passionate following and earned a legendary status thanks to its fresh ingredients and iconic must-haves like its Sweet Pork Barbacoa and Creamy Tomatillo dressing, which guests can’t stop talking about and competitors can’t stop chasing. From its enchilada style burritos, towering salads, bowls, tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas and a lineup of other proteins such as Beef Barbacoa, Fire Gilled Steak, Fire Grilled Chicken, Slow Braised Chicken and Pollo Asado, guests are in full control when it comes to customization.

Cafe Rio’s Famous Tres Leches and new Churro Cookies pair perfectly with scratch made Horchata or Mint Limeade for a sweet and refreshing finish.

*Purchase of one qualifying $10 School Meal Deal required to receive one second School Meal Deal of equal or lesser value FREE.

*Qualifying School Meal Deal includes one handheld burrito, bowl or two-taco entrée paired with one regular drink.