Mi Buena Vida
Address: 1500 South 15th East Street
Telephone: 385-229-4812
Website: mibuenavidaslc.com
District: 15th and 15th
“Alan Galeano is the kind of person everyone should have in their life,” says Jonas Piraquive, co-owner, and manager of Mi Buena Vida. Jonas and Alan's shared vision goes beyond delicious food - creating a space where customers feel at home, and employees are valued. It is, therefore, not surprising that this vibrant Mexican restaurant quickly became a community favorite in Salt Lake City since its opening in December 2022.
The journey to Mi Buena Vida started years before, when Alan, originally from Uruguay, and Jonas, who hails from Colombia, crossed paths. Alan had been in the restaurant industry for decades, running several successful ventures in Park City. When Jonas, in search of better opportunities for his family, came to the U.S., it was his brother's friend who introduced him to Alan. That introduction would change Jonas’s life. “Alan offered me a position as a manager, but I told him I couldn’t do it without my family here with me. He made it happen,” says Jonas. By 2022, Jonas had brought his wife, children, and even his mother to the U.S., and worked alongside Alan as the two opened the restaurant in the 15th and 15th neighborhood.
The name Mi Buena Vida - meaning “My Good Life”- captures this ethos perfectly. “The name was chosen with the employees in mind,” says Jonas. “Alan wanted to ensure that everyone who works here feels like they have a good life. If they’re happy, that energy passes to the customers, and it creates a cycle of happiness.”
The restaurant’s concept is simple but powerful: an affordable yet high-quality menu that balances street food with sophisticated flavors. There is an extensive margarita selection with over ten different varieties including spicy, fruity, and sugar-free options. There is something for every taste.
According to Jonas, Mi Buena Vida’s bestsellers on the food portion of the menu include fish and shrimp tacos, cauliflower tacos, and enchiladas. A fun and clever addition is the salsa bar, filled with a variety of condiments to add to your dish. Guided by Chef Lula from Mexico City, and Chef Sebastian Gutierrez, Jonas emphasized that they are constantly innovating, creating new dishes while maintaining traditional Mexican flavors. “It’s not just about the food, though,” says Jonas. “It’s the whole experience - the service, the vibe, the attention to detail. We want every part of the experience to feel special.”
The restaurant’s design reflects Alan’s creativity. The space was transformed from its previous life as a French bistro into the warm, inviting restaurant it is today. “Alan is a mastermind when it comes to design,” Jonas says. “He can take a blank space and turn it into a full restaurant concept." Jonas and other members of the team did almost all the construction themselves. And when they tore down the drywall, they were thrilled to uncover a vintage wall from 1925. "Instead of covering it up, as previous owners had, Alan saw its beauty and left it exposed. Now, it’s one of the features people love most.”
For Alan, it is never just about the profits. “He’s always looking for ways to help his employees grow,” says Jonas. “He knows what it’s like to start at the bottom, and he wants everyone to have the opportunity to move up. Ask anyone who works here where they were a year ago, and where they are now. They’ll smile and tell you it’s because of Alan.”
Mi Buena Vida is more than just a restaurant. It reflects Alan’s commitment to building community, uplifting his team, and offering a place where people come together over great food. With two locations now, including a second one in Springfield, and plans for an Italian restaurant downtown, Alan’s vision for Salt Lake continues to grow. According to Jonas, "The world needs more people like Alan - people who are willing to teach others how to succeed.”
