This Utah chain wants the whole Boise enchilada. It just opened a Star restaurant, too

Cafe Rio isn’t satisfied with a couple of restaurants in Boise proper.

Clearly, the Mexican-food chain wants the whole enchilada.

After opening two Meridian locations last spring, Cafe Rio just expanded its footprint even farther into the Boise ‘burbs.

The Utah chain opened a new restaurant July 14 in Star — at 140 N. Highbrook Way.

The Star restaurant is the seventh Treasure Valley location for the fast-casual brand, which also has stores in Boise, Eagle and Kuna.

Founded in St. George, Utah, in 1997, Cafe Rio is on a world-conquering roll. It has grown more than 50% in the past five years, according to a media release, and now operates in 11 states.

Cafe Rio should have half a dozen new locations launched by the end of 2023, according to the release, bringing the total to 163.

So what should you order from the menu?

Cafe Rio is the kind of place where you choose the ingredients to “craft your masterpiece” — then watch them make your food. It’s a cut above, say, Taco Bell. Just to get the ball rolling at Cafe Rio, you pick from a flour, wheat or corn tortilla.

Ultimately, though, the menu is a typical smorgasbord of Mexican cuisine: tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas and nachos.

Just make sure you try one particular protein.

Cafe Rio calls itself “home of the original Sweet Pork Barbacoa.”