Matt Stone and Trey Parker, two creative minds born and raised in Denver, shared a childhood obsession with the Mexican restaurant Casa Bonita. This iconic local landmark, reminiscent of a labyrinthine Disneyland-esque wonderland, opened its doors in 1974 in Lakewood, Colorado. With roving characters, live entertainment, including a cliff diving show, and secret rooms, Casa Bonita offered an unparalleled experience. However, the quality of the food was often criticized, and as the years passed, the establishment fell on hard times.
After closing in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Matt Stone and Trey Parker made a bold decision to purchase Casa Bonita. Fueled by nostalgia and a desire to recreate the magic they experienced as children, the duo embarked on a journey filled with challenges. Despite initial excitement, the renovation process proved to be far more daunting than anticipated.
The Reality of Renovation Challenges
The renovation of Casa Bonita proved to be a monumental task as the project quickly surpassed the estimated budget of $6 million, ultimately reaching a staggering $40 million. The state of disrepair within the 54,000 square foot establishment was shocking, with rotten floors, walls, and ceilings, outdated electrical systems, and plumbing disasters. The presence of a falcon dropping pigeon carcasses on the roof since the 1970s added to the challenges faced by the renovation team.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles, Matt Stone and Trey Parker remained steadfast in their determination to restore Casa Bonita to its former glory. The documentary, ¡CASA BONITA MI AMOR!, follows the South Park creators on their arduous journey as they grapple with a ballooning budget and seemingly insurmountable challenges. The pair sacrificed other projects to stay focused on the restoration, much to the confusion of their peers.
After a year of intense renovation efforts, Casa Bonita opened its doors to preview audiences, revealing a stunning transformation of the iconic establishment. Trey Parker took charge of writing the script for the puppet show and crafting offbeat dialogue for two talking skeletons. However, not everything was perfect, as Matt Stone noted that the animatronic fortune-telling macaw still needed adjustments after a screening at the Tribeca Festival.
While Casa Bonita has yet to open to the general public, the anticipation surrounding its reopening is palpable. Matt Stone and Trey Parker have contemplated the idea of launching a chain of Casa Bonita restaurants, but the immense challenges faced during the restoration process have made them hesitant to pursue this endeavor. Despite their success in the entertainment industry, including multiple Emmy, Tony, and Grammy awards, Stone and Parker remain humble about the possibility of achieving EGOT status.
The influence of Casa Bonita on Matt Stone and Trey Parker is undeniable, as evidenced by its featured appearance in a South Park episode. The significance of the restaurant in their lives is reflected in the way they integrated it into their creative work. From Cartman’s memorable visit to Casa Bonita to the plethora of voices they lend to the characters on the show, Stone and Parker’s connection to Casa Bonita runs deep.
The journey of Matt Stone and Trey Parker with Casa Bonita serves as a testament to their creativity, perseverance, and dedication to preserving a cherished childhood memory. Despite the challenges and setbacks they faced along the way, Stone and Parker’s passion for Casa Bonita shines through, offering a glimpse into the magic of their creative partnership.
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