Growing up in Denver, Matt Stone and Trey Parker had a deep-rooted obsession with the Mexican restaurant Casa Bonita. This local landmark, reminiscent of Disneyland, captured their imaginations with its roving characters, live entertainment, and cliff diving shows. Despite the underwhelming food, Casa Bonita held a special place in their hearts. However, the once thriving establishment fell on hard times and eventually closed its doors in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After much soul-searching, Stone and Parker made the bold decision to purchase Casa Bonita with the hopes of restoring it to its former glory. Their initial intention was to delight not only their own children but the entire Denver community that had fond memories of the iconic venue. The news of their acquisition was met with cheers and excitement from the Denver area.
Despite their good intentions, the renovation of Casa Bonita did not go as smoothly as planned. What was supposed to be a speedy project quickly spiraled out of control as the costs soared past the estimated $6 million budget, ultimately reaching $40 million. The extensive renovation revealed rotten floors, walls, and ceilings, outdated electrical systems, and plumbing issues throughout the 54,000 square foot space. To make matters worse, a falcon had been dropping pigeon carcasses on the roof for decades.
Director Arthur Bradford’s documentary, ¡CASA BONITA MI AMOR!, chronicles Stone and Parker’s journey as they faced numerous challenges and setbacks during the restoration process. Despite the mounting budget and seemingly impossible obstacles, the South Park creators refused to give up. They remained committed to the project, even when it meant turning down other work to stay on track.
A year ago, Casa Bonita opened its doors to preview audiences, showcasing a stunning transformation. Parker personally wrote the script for the puppet show and crafted quirky dialogue for two talking skeletons. While the animatronic fortune-telling macaw still needed some fine-tuning, the overall reception was positive. Stone and Parker recently discussed their journey at the Tribeca Festival, hinting at a public opening later this year.
Stone and Parker’s decision to restore Casa Bonita was met with skepticism from friends and industry peers. Despite considering the possibility of launching a chain of restaurants, they ultimately decided against it. The duo acknowledged that they still had work to do on their flagship location and did not have an additional $40 million to invest in expanding the brand.
Casa Bonita’s influence on Stone and Parker was so profound that it was featured in a South Park episode. The iconic venue served as a backdrop for one of the show’s memorable storylines, showcasing its significance in shaping their creative vision. The duo’s impressive accolades, including multiple Emmys, Tonys, and Grammys, are a testament to their artistic prowess and enduring impact on popular culture.
While Stone and Parker have come close to achieving EGOT status with their impressive array of awards, they have yet to win an Oscar. Despite being nominated for Best Original Song in 2000, they lost out to Phil Collins. However, the duo remains optimistic about their future prospects and are grateful for the recognition they have received thus far.
Through their dedication, perseverance, and creative vision, Matt Stone and Trey Parker have breathed new life into Casa Bonita, transforming it into a symbol of restoration and resilience. As they continue to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, their unwavering commitment to their craft serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and fans alike.