Unionization Efforts at Denver’s Casa Bonita Spark Safety Concerns
Workers claim unsafe conditions at a restaurant – In April 2024, a significant shift occurred at Casa Bonita, a Denver-based Mexican restaurant, as its performers officially unionized. Approximately 80 staff members joined the Actors’ Equity union, with actress Brooke Shields playing a pivotal role in organizing the effort. Shields, who visited the venue under an assumed identity in March, aimed to highlight long-standing issues facing the workers. Her covert trip, described as a “slightly an ambush,” underscored the lack of respect during negotiations over wages and safety standards.
Brooke Shields’ Secret Visit
Shields arrived at Casa Bonita with a fake name to ensure management wouldn’t recognize her presence. “The place is so big it took a while for management to realize we were there,” she told CNN. “And then word got out because, you know, I didn’t have a hat on and mustache or anything,” she added, explaining her unassuming appearance. The visit was part of a broader campaign to address concerns raised by performers, including inadequate pay and hazardous working conditions.
“It was slightly an ambush… you try doing things respectfully, and then you’re not met with equal respect… so you have to resort to other tactics,” said Shields.
A Unique Dining Experience
Casa Bonita, a Denver institution since the 1970s, blends Mexican cuisine with theatrical entertainment. Its bubblegum-pink facade and jungle-themed interior draw up to 3,500 visitors daily, many of whom are captivated by the live shows. Cliff divers leap into a blue lagoon, magicians roam the halls, and puppeteers perform tableside. These spectacles, central to the restaurant’s allure, have long been a draw for patrons and a source of pride for its staff.
Union Demands and Management Response
Performers at Casa Bonita have raised alarms about safety risks, citing incidents of hypothermia, chlorine toxicity, and sexual harassment by customers. They also argue their wages lag behind servers, who earn additional income through tips. Despite concessions on paid time off and holiday pay, management has only offered a minimal raise of less than a dollar per hour. “It’s just so disheartening because they’re putting their lives at risk, and they’re not being looked after,” said Shields.
The owners, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of the animated series “South Park” and the Broadway show “Book of Mormon,” have remained silent on the labor disputes. “We value all of our team members and their well-being,” stated the management team in a CNN statement, adding they do not comment on ongoing negotiations. Parker and Stone, who grew up in Denver, have frequented the restaurant recently but have not participated in the 14 bargaining sessions with Actors’ Equity, according to Shields.
A Legacy of Entertainment
Stone and Parker revitalized Casa Bonita in the summer of 2023, saving it from bankruptcy. The duo, who first visited the venue as children, have since named their offices after the establishment. “You could see what this place was in the 70’s when they built it. They were trying to make a little Disneyland here,” Parker remarked during an interview in 2023. Yet, despite their personal ties, the current labor standoff suggests a disconnect between the owners and their employees.
Cliff diver Bethel Lindsley, a key figure in the dive team, shared her perspective. A former gymnast and circus performer with experience in cruise line shows, she was recruited to professionalize the act. While she appreciates the restaurant’s unique charm, she also voiced concerns about the conditions faced by performers. “It’s b,” she began, hinting at ongoing challenges within the union’s efforts.
