Matt Stone and Trey Parker, known for their animated series South Park, were born and raised in Denver, Colorado. As kids, they were obsessed with Casa Bonita, a Mexican restaurant that opened its doors in 1974 in Lakewood, Colorado. The sprawling, labyrinthine restaurant was a local landmark, featuring roving characters, live entertainment, including a cliff diving show, secret rooms, and average food. However, Casa Bonita fell on hard times and eventually closed its doors in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Risky Decision and a Daunting Renovation
Despite its closure, Stone and Parker decided to purchase Casa Bonita after a period of soul-searching. Their goal was to renovate the restaurant quickly and bring delight to their children and the community as they had been delighted in their youth. The Denver area was thrilled by the news, but the renovation process proved to be anything but swift. The project’s initial budget of $6 million quickly escalated, ultimately surpassing $40 million.
The restoration of Casa Bonita was far from a walk in the park. The duo encountered numerous challenges, including rotten floors, walls, and ceilings, outdated and hazardous electrical systems, and plumbing issues throughout the expansive 54,000 square foot space. Adding to the chaos, a falcon had been dropping pigeon carcasses on the roof since the 1970s. Despite the daunting tasks at hand, Parker and Stone persevered, overseeing the project with determination and resolve.
After a year of hard work, Casa Bonita opened its doors to preview audiences, showcasing a stunning transformation. Parker took charge of writing the script for the puppet show and crafting quirky dialogue for two talking skeletons. While the animatronic fortune-telling macaw fell short of expectations during a screening at the Tribeca Festival, Stone remained optimistic about further enhancements. The restaurant is expected to open to the general public later this year, offering a unique and enchanting experience for visitors.
Future Ventures and Reflections
While Stone and Parker briefly entertained the idea of launching a chain of Casa Bonita restaurants, they ultimately decided against it due to the exorbitant costs and the idea that “sometimes magic is magic.” Reflecting on their journey, the duo acknowledged the profound influence Casa Bonita had on their lives, even inspiring an episode of South Park. Despite their numerous accolades, including Emmy, Tony, and Grammy awards, Stone remained humble, expressing doubt about their chances of winning an Oscar.
The restoration of Casa Bonita stands as a testament to the creativity, perseverance, and unwavering passion of Matt Stone and Trey Parker. From childhood dreams to reality, their journey has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph. As Casa Bonita prepares to welcome guests once again, it serves as a beacon of hope and a tribute to the power of determination and creativity in the face of adversity.