Onstage and backstage staff on the Casa Bonita immersive restaurant, owned by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have voted unanimously to unionize with Actors’ Equity Association and IATSE Local 7, it was announced Friday.
“Today, we’re proud that we stood as a bunch and said clearly: We intend to make Casa Bonita higher,” the staff leading the unionization effort said in a press release. “We love Casa Bonita, and already give our all to providing our guests with an unforgettable experience. When it’s a safer, fairer place to work, we are going to find a way to raised give attention to doing our jobs knowing we’re protected, respected and valued. We knew that the perfect strategy to make that occur was as unionized staff, and this landslide vote confirms that we are going to. We’re wanting to take our place on the bargaining table soon.”
The enduring restaurant, based in Lakewood, Colorado, recently reopened after being bought out of bankruptcy by Parker and Stone. The restaurant features cliff divers, actors, puppeteers, magicians and more as a part of the dining experience, supported by crewmembers.
The employees were trying to unionize because of a variety of concerns, including safety at work, insufficient training, fair pay, greater advantages and higher communication between staff and management.
IATSE Local 7 Business Agent Max Peterson said, “IATSE Local 7 couldn’t be more humbled and thrilled by the incredible crew of Casa Bonita. The times and weeks leading as much as this election have been an inspiring example of solidarity. This has only been strengthened by working alongside our union siblings at Actors’ Equity Association. This result shows that the crew is prepared for a brighter future through bargaining collectively to bring safety, security and lasting improvements to their workplace. We’re excited to face with and beside them as we prepare for and start negotiations!”
Actors’ Equity Association Director of Organizing and Mobilization Stefanie Frey said in a press release, “The employees made it clear today that they stand united for a stronger and safer Casa Bonita. It’s their vision and courage that brought us quickly to an election, and that zeal is what will get us through bargaining. We’re so grateful to work with IATSE on getting much more staff at Casa Bonita unionized, and this solidarity goes to mean a greater collective bargaining agreement down the road. On to bargaining!”
Casa Bonita first opened in 1974 and was purchased by Parker and Stone after Summit Family Restaurants, the corporate that owned the restaurant on the time, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The restaurant underwent a $40 million renovation, which was documented within the 2024 documentary ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!. A 2003 South Park episode was set within the restaurant.
