Onstage and backstage workers at Casa Bonita immersive restaurant, owned by South Park Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone voted unanimously to join the Actors’ Equity Association and IATSE Local 7, announced last Friday.
“Today, we are proud that we stood up as a group and said clearly: We want Casa Bonita to be better,” the workers who led the unionization effort said in a statement. “We love Casa Bonita, and we’ve given our all to give our guests an unforgettable experience. If it’s a safer, fairer place to work, we can focus more on doing our jobs knowing that we are protected, respected and valued. We know that the best way to accomplish that is through labor unions, and this landslide vote proves that we do. We are excited to will take our place at the bargaining table soon.”
The iconic 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 part of the dining experience, supported by the crew.
The workers are looking for a union due to various concerns, including job safety, inadequate training, equal pay, more benefits and better communication between workers and management.
IATSE Local 7 Business Agent Max Peterson said, “IATSE Local 7 could not be more humbled and pleased by the incredible crew at Casa Bonita. The days and weeks leading up to this election have been an inspiring example of unity. This is only strengthened by working with our brothers in the Actors’ Equity Association. This result shows that the crew is ready for a bright future by working together collectively to bring safety, security and sustainable development to their workplace. We are excited to stand with and alongside them as we prepare and begin negotiations!”
Actors’ Equity Association Director of Organizing and Mobilization Stefanie Frey said in a statement, “Today’s workers made it clear that they are united for a stronger and safer Casa Bonita. Their vision and courage quickly brought us to an election, and that enthusiasm is what will carry us through bargaining. We are very grateful to work with IATSE to unite the many workers of Casa Bonita, and this union means a better collective bargaining agreement on the way!”
Casa Bonita first opened in 1974 and was purchased by Parker and Stone after Summit Family Restaurants, the company that owned the restaurant at the time, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The restaurant underwent a $40 million renovation, which was documented in a 2024 documentary Beautiful House My Love!. A 2003 South Park The episode is set in the restaurant.