Onstage and backstage workers at 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 are proud that we stood as a group and said clearly: We want to make Casa Bonita better,” the workers leading the unionization effort said in a statement. “We love Casa Bonita, and already give our all to providing our guests with an unforgettable experience. When it is a safer, fairer place to work, we will be able to better focus on doing our jobs knowing we are protected, respected and valued. We knew that the best way to make that happen was as unionized workers, and this landslide vote confirms that we will. We are eager to 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 crewmembers.
The workers were looking to unionize due to a range of concerns, including safety at work, insufficient training, fair pay, greater benefits and better communication between workers 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 days and weeks leading up to 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 ready for a brighter future through bargaining collectively to bring safety, security and lasting improvements to their workplace. We are excited to stand with and beside them as we prepare for and begin negotiations!”
Actors’ Equity Association Director of Organizing and Mobilization Stefanie Frey said in a statement, “The workers made it clear today that they stand united for a stronger and safer Casa Bonita. It is their vision and courage that brought us quickly to an election, and that passion is what is going to get us through bargaining. We are so grateful to work with IATSE on getting even more workers at Casa Bonita unionized, and this solidarity is going to mean a better 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 company that owned the restaurant at the time, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The restaurant underwent a $40 million renovation, which was documented in the 2024 documentary ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!. A 2003 South Park episode was set in the restaurant.