La Vida de Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita peaked the interest of all South Park lovers and Colorado locals from the moment headlines read about its new owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Who else but the creators of South Park would take such a gamble and try and save the sinking restaurant. Since 1975 when they first opened its doors it captivated people. It was more than a restaurant it was an atmosphere. The creator of Casa Bonita, Bill Waugh had already opened three other Casa Bonita restaurants in Tulsa, Fort Worth and Little Rock. His background in fine arts was part of what allowed Waugh to see a Mexican village and waterfall in a building that once housed a Joslin’s Department Store and the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society (JCRS).But why did the Denver location thrive while the others flopped? Denver was the only one that had a diving pool

According to Denver post reporter Jay Greene the pool was a eureka moment Waugh experienced after seeing a small pool that had been dug in the restaurant. He immediately flashed on the idea of Acapulco cliff divers, had the workers dig a much deeper pool than was originally planned, and turned his vision into reality.

In the 1970’s the entire concept was out of the blue and outlandish. In October 1976, a group of restaurant owners from the Japanese Chain Food Service Association toured the restaurant as part of a visit to Colorado and Wyoming. From the moment they walked through the door, these seasoned food industry managers were blown away. “They just couldn’t conceive of how a place that had such a small front could have such a large interior,” their guide told the Denver Post.

For the next 40 years all generations would come to care and love the restaurant, it touched a special something within Coloradans. Go figure, seeing it outlasted its other chains. People always had doubts about the food but it was edible and you went to be transported from a strip mall off Colfax to the streets of a Mexican village. Later on, Casa Bonita would begin showing its age. The bathrooms had a funky smell, the lower levels would leak and 40 years of wear and tear became prominent. It seemed to be slipping away and with no hope for the future. For the Money coming in could not be nearly enough to try and renovate and stay open. That is why in 2020 Checks began to bounce and it shut its doors declaring Bankruptcy in 2021.

Many Coloradans were saddened and it was hard accepting its fate, (I am one of them). But two unlikely men were able to step in and get things done. On November 12, 2003 Trey and Matt included the restaurant in an episode and it was instantly popular. this would always mark tie the show with the restaurant. For those who watch the show it is know to be outlandish and hilarious. So it makes sense for the two men to stop the heartbreak of many and buy the restaurant.

The news broke and anticipation started to grow. Information would come rarely but it always sounded good. The two were keeping it original but updating the food and totally renovating From floor to ceiling. It was going to be back and better than ever. Personally I can agree with this statement.

Last Saturday, August 25, I was able to experience this original but new Casa Bonita. While the ticket process was selective and few, I can only hope it is fully open to the public in the future. But for now it seems they want all who get tickets to have the same experience as the next. As to not completely fill the place to capacity.

As soon as I stepped through those doors I felt a glimpse of the past, the street looked the same. As I was being brought to the table I could smell that distinctive Casa Bonita Water as well as fresh sopapillas. The service was quick and the food was a huge jump from what it was. Once I got to walking around I could tell the new owners really put a lot into their new project. The revamped puppet show honestly made me laugh. Black Barts cave looked refreshed. All the restrooms were new. The magic show added something special, and the gift shop was trying to steal all my money. I believe it was for the best interest of the restaurant to be bought by Trey and Matt. The two kept it original but with a face lift that will keep it looking and running good for the next 4o years.