Casa Bonita Reservations, Run by ‘South Park’ Creators, Sell Out in Hours
When the reservation list at Casa Bonita opened on Monday, thousands flocked to secure a spot at the restaurant acquired by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Located five miles east of Denver in Lakewood, the restaurant had previously been in a soft opening phase, offering reservations through a lottery since June 2023. Casa Bonita will start accepting reservations for the period from October 1 to November.
According to Denver ABC affiliate KWGN, nearly 40,000 individuals joined the “Founders Club” virtual queue by 9 a.m. MT, and all reservations were claimed by noon. Furthermore, around 29,000 people were still waiting in the general queue at 3 p.m.
The restaurant did not answer inquiries from YSL News regarding how quickly the reservations were fully booked.
Reopening Featured in ‘South Park’ and New Documentary
Casa Bonita held a cherished spot in Denver’s culture during the 1980s and 1990s, with Holly Engleman from The Coloradan – part of the YSL News Network – even comparing its significance to that of esteemed Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.
The restaurant gained nationwide attention when Parker and Stone mentioned it in an episode from season seven, which highlighted its cave divers, indoor waterfall, and vivid pink exterior.
The restaurant closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and filed for bankruptcy in 2021. In an interview with Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D), Parker and Stone announced their acquisition of the restaurant that same year.
The renovation and reopening of Casa Bonita, led by Parker and Stone, is the subject of the documentary titled “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” NPR film critic John Powers noted that the film “explores the steep cost of nostalgia while offering a casual look at one of pop culture’s most notable creative duos.”