UPDATE: Staff members at Casa Bonita in Lakewood, Colorado, are set to go on strike starting Thursday, October 26, 2023, leaving the beloved Mexican restaurant empty for Halloween. The move comes after management reportedly “walked away from the bargaining table” during critical contract negotiations, according to employees.
The iconic eatery, purchased by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker in 2021, has been a cherished institution since its founding in 1974. Its unique dining experience gained worldwide fame when it was featured in a 2004 episode of the animated series. Staffers claim that management’s latest wage offer included a mere 11 cents increase and provided minimal protections against future layoffs.
Lead negotiator Andrea Hoeschen of the Actors’ Equity Association expressed disappointment over the management’s response, stating, “Despite that insult, the negotiating team responded with major compromises to try to get a deal. And then Casa Bonita walked away from the table without responding.”
As a result, the restaurant will not be ready for Halloween festivities, with Hoeschen humorously noting that “‘Casa Boo-nita’ will be dressed as an empty pink building for Halloween!”
This strike raises significant concerns for the restaurant’s future and the livelihoods of its employees. As negotiations continue to stall, the impact on the community and the iconic status of Casa Bonita hangs in the balance.
The Daily Beast has reached out to representatives for Stone and Parker for further comment, but no response has been received as of this writing.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation as the strike unfolds and its implications for both staff and patrons become clear.
