40 Facts About Casa Bonita

The Origins of Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita has a rich history that dates back to the late 1960s. Let's dive into its fascinating beginnings and evolution.

1. Founding: Casa Bonita was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Waugh in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His vision was to create a unique dining experience that combined Mexican cuisine with entertainment.

2. Expansion: The restaurant chain expanded to Tulsa, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Worth, Texas; and eventually to Lakewood, Colorado. Each location brought its own charm and local flavor.

3. Original Location: The first Casa Bonita restaurant was located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was known for its "all you can eat" beef or chicken plates and offering sopapillas—small squares of fried bread served with honey—with every meal.

4. Lakewood Location: The Lakewood location originally housed a Joslins department store. With minimal plans and no permits, architects and carpenters constructed one delightful experience after another as they went along. Construction began in 1972 and the restaurant opened on March 27, 1974.

Unique Architecture and Design

Casa Bonita's architecture is as unique as its concept. The design elements make it a standout destination.

5. Unique Architecture: The building is a testament to its unique architecture, featuring a pink exterior that conceals a vast network of nooks and crannies inside. The main, multilevel dining room is decorated with plastic palm trees and strings of lights, while different facades and themed rooms invoke regional Mexican architectural styles, including the resort of Puerto Vallarta.

6. Iconic Pink Tower: The iconic, pink Casa Bonita tower stands 85 feet tall and is visible for miles. On top of the tower’s golden dome stands a statue of Cuahatemoc, the last Aztec Emperor.

7. Historic Landmark: In 2015, Casa Bonita was recognized as an official landmark by the Lakewood Historical Society. This recognition solidified its place in local history.

Attractions and Entertainment

Casa Bonita isn't just about food; it's an entertainment hub with a variety of attractions.

8. Cliff Divers and Waterfall: The centerpiece of Casa Bonita is a 30-foot indoor waterfall with cliff divers, an imitation of the cliffs of Acapulco. This feature is one of the most striking attractions within the restaurant.

9. Themed Rooms: Inside Casa Bonita, different facades and themed rooms are intended to invoke regional Mexican architectural styles such as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara.

10. Live Music and Shows: The restaurant provides an unmatched experience that includes live music, shows, games, and memories that will last a lifetime. It is a place where guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment options.

Culinary Delights

The food at Casa Bonita is as memorable as the entertainment. Let's explore some of its culinary highlights.

11. Sopapillas: Casa Bonita’s famed sopaipillas were created with a recipe specifically designed for the altitude of Colorado. These small squares of fried bread served with honey are a signature item on the menu.

12. Buffet-Style Dining: The restaurant offers buffet-style dining with a variety of Mexican dishes such as steamed refried beans, tacos, and enchiladas.

13. Unique Dining Experience: The dining experience at Casa Bonita is a surreal spectacle for children. It features falls, cliff divers, simulated mines, puppet shows, and even a person in a gorilla suit being chased by a sheriff who occasionally partakes in cliff diving.

Renovation and New Ownership

Casa Bonita has undergone significant changes in recent years, including new ownership and renovations.

14. Renovation: In 2022, the exterior of the building got a makeover. It took over 400 gallons of custom-blended pink paint to redo the restaurant.

15. New Ownership: In 2021, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, reached an agreement to purchase Casa Bonita’s Lakewood location for $3.1 million. They spent $40 million renovating the restaurant and hired Chef Dana Rodriguez to update the menu.

16. Renovation Details: The renovation included demolishing and reconstructing parts of the restaurant to ensure cleanliness and safety while maintaining its essence. This effort aimed to address the previous shortcomings of the establishment.

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

Casa Bonita holds a special place in the hearts of many Coloradans and has a significant cultural impact.

17. Cult Following: Casa Bonita has attracted a cult following among Coloradans since its opening. It is considered by many to be an iconic establishment of Lakewood and the greater Denver metropolitan area.

18. Closure During Pandemic: In March 2020, Casa Bonita temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant's owner filed for bankruptcy in April 2021, and several employees reported that their most recent paychecks had bounced due to insufficient funds in the Casa Bonita payroll account.

19. Bankruptcy Filing: On April 6, 2021, Summit Family Restaurants, Casa Bonita’s owner, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona.

20. Purchase Agreement: Trey Parker and Matt Stone reached an agreement to purchase Casa Bonita’s Lakewood location. A group named "Save Casa Bonita" filed an objection to Parker and Stone’s purchase, pointing out that they had in fact made an offer first. Their objection was later withdrawn, and the sale was completed by November 19, 2021.

The Future of Casa Bonita

With new ownership and a fresh look, Casa Bonita is poised for a bright future.

21. Renovation Completion: After the purchase, Parker and Stone spent $40 million renovating the restaurant. The renovation included updating the menu, improving safety and cleanliness, and maintaining the unique essence of Casa Bonita.

22. Soft Opening: The restaurant had a soft opening on May 26, 2023. In early June, Casa Bonita began taking reservations for weekends, marking the beginning of its relaunch under new ownership.

23. Exclusive Event: The guests for the exclusive soft opening event were chosen from those who signed up from Casa Bonita’s email list. This event was a significant milestone in the restaurant’s relaunch journey.

24. Historical Significance: Casa Bonita has been a part of many memories for Coloradans. It was immortalized in an episode of South Park, which further increased its popularity and cultural significance.

25. Unique Entertainment: Unlike other restaurants that focus on animatronic entertainment, Casa Bonita emphasizes people entertaining and interacting with guests directly. This unique approach helps the restaurant stand out and maintain its cult following.

26. Founder’s Vision: The founder, Bill Waugh, was fascinated by Mexican food and Walt Disney. He wanted to create a Mexican village-like festival with all the activities going on, which is reflected in the restaurant’s design and layout.

27. Architectural Details: The restaurant’s design was influenced by Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Architect Phil Phillips, who was known for building high-end custom homes, put the concept into motion. He wanted to create a festive atmosphere with various activities and attractions.

28. Employee Turnover: Despite the challenges faced by the restaurant, employee turnover is relatively low. This is attributed to the unique work environment and the sense of community among employees and guests.

29. Famous Faces: Over the years, Casa Bonita has served many famous faces. It has become a popular spot for both locals and celebrities, adding to its allure and historical significance.

30. Capacity: On a Saturday night, Casa Bonita might serve 5,000 guests. This is a testament to its ability to host large crowds and maintain an operation that successfully does numbers like that year after year.

31. Community Engagement: Casa Bonita has been a part of the community for decades. It has hosted birthday parties, family gatherings, and other events that have created lasting memories for many Coloradans.

32. Quirky Allure: The quirky allure of Casa Bonita was immortalized in an episode of South Park. The show’s creators frequently fielded inquiries about the restaurant’s existence after the episode aired, highlighting its eccentricity and peculiarity.

33. Nostalgia: Despite its subpar cuisine, Casa Bonita earned the moniker "Casa NoEata." However, its closure was met with nostalgia. Many people remembered their childhood memories of celebrating birthdays at the restaurant.

34. Renovation Challenges: The renovation process was not without challenges. The restaurant suffered from neglect, plagued by electrical dangers, greasy ventilation systems, and carpets hardened to a concrete-like texture. These issues were addressed during the renovation.

35. New Menu: Under new ownership, Casa Bonita has updated its menu. Chef Dana Rodriguez was hired to create a new culinary experience that maintains the restaurant’s essence while offering fresh and exciting dishes.

36. Live Music and Shows: The restaurant continues to offer live music and shows, making it a vibrant and entertaining place to dine. The variety of entertainment options ensures that guests have a memorable experience.

37. Games and Activities: Casa Bonita provides an array of games and activities that make dining an interactive experience. From puppet shows to simulated mines, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

38. Memorable Experience: The restaurant prides itself on providing an unmatched experience that includes live music, shows, games, and memories that will last a lifetime. It is a place where guests can create lasting memories.

39. Cultural Institution: Casa Bonita is a cultural institution in the Denver area. It has been a part of many Coloradans’ lives for decades, making it an iconic establishment that is deeply ingrained in the community.

40. Renewed Legacy: Under new ownership, Casa Bonita is poised to continue its legacy as the greatest restaurant in the world. With its refreshed look and feel, it is ready to transport guests back in time to 1970s Mexico while offering a brand new culinary experience.

Casa Bonita: A Timeless Treasure

Casa Bonita isn't just a restaurant; it's a cultural icon. Since 1974, this Lakewood, Colorado gem has offered more than just food. With its pink tower, cliff divers, and themed rooms, it’s a place where memories are made. The recent $40 million renovation by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone has breathed new life into this beloved spot. Chef Dana Rodriguez's updated menu promises a fresh culinary experience while preserving the restaurant's essence. Casa Bonita's unique blend of architecture, entertainment, and community spirit makes it a must-visit. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Casa Bonita offers an unforgettable experience. From its historic significance to its quirky charm, this restaurant continues to captivate hearts. So, if you find yourself in the Denver area, make sure to stop by and see what all the fuss is about.