Full disclosure: This isn’t a traditionally objective article. It’s part feature, part love letter (with the adjoining open letter). Why? Because I’m a longtime fan of the Casa Bonita experience and the memories it fosters for families and friends—and after watching the iconic pink palace reawaken over the past year, I’ve become a big fan of the vision and people behind it, too.
A little more than a year after South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone reopened the doors to a fully restored Casa Bonita in May 2023, their vision for honoring the past while raising the bar has transformed the beloved institution for a new generation.
When the reopening was announced, Casa Bonita became one of the most exclusive dining establishments in Colorado. More than a million people joined the waitlist to enter a lottery to receive an invitation to purchase tickets.
In October 2024, Casa Bonita opened its doors to the general public and started accepting reservations sans lottery. The legendary restaurant now serves about 15,000 guests a week, with visits averaging three to four hours as families take in the cliff divers, puppet shows, Black Bart’s Cave, and a menu reimagined by James Beard-nominated chef Dana Rodriguez.
Much of that momentum was built under the leadership of Brand President Marti Winer, who joined Casa Bonita shortly after its reopening. She brought deep hospitality experience and helped establish the operational structure, culture, and community partnerships that the team continues to grow today.
Though Marti will be stepping away from her day-to-day role at Casa Bonita in August to return to Las Vegas, she will continue to serve as an advisor for Casa Bonita to support the long-term success of the business.
Behind the scenes, a team of more than 450 full- and part-time employees keeps the experience as joyful and unexpected as ever. Encouraged to be their authentic selves, the staff bring the place to life every day.
As Marti described it, “Casa Bonita is a 51-year-old startup. Every day we’re learning and improving, and we get to do it in one of the most unique places in the world. As a leadership team, our job is to listen—to our staff, to the community, and to our guests. Patrons know what this place means. That connection is sacred.”
It’s a delicate balance: preserving the quirks and memories that made Casa Bonita famous while introducing modern touches that elevate the experience. “Everyone remembers Casa Bonita a certain way,” Marti adds. “Living up to that—or surpassing it—is a high bar.”
The secret to meeting that bar lies in the owners’ vision and the dedication of the staff bringing it to life every day. Trey Parker and Matt Stone set the tone from the start with their mantra: change nothing, improve everything. That spirit permeates every corner of the experience, from the revamped kitchen to the hidden services tucked away in the sprawling 56,000-square-foot building.
“People used to come despite the food—now they come for it,” says Jane Frances, a Lakewood resident who has visited Casa Bonita both before and after the new ownership. “Chef Dana and her team have completely reimagined the menu without losing the soul of Casa Bonita. It’s still fun and familiar, but now it’s genuinely delicious.”
That blend of fun and familiarity is part of Casa Bonita’s lasting charm. It’s why people travel from across the U.S.—and even as far as New Zealand—to relive memories or make new ones.
This year, the focus is expanding outward: building stronger ties with the neighborhood and investing in partnerships that support the West Colfax corridor. This includes hosting school visits and working with local nonprofits like 40 West Arts District, which brings youth groups during its summer camps to the restaurant for lunch, shows, and an afternoon of adventure.
Local businesses have felt the ripple effects, too. “Casa Bonita’s revival hasn’t just brought back memories—it’s helped jumpstart local business,” says Jackie Martuscello, who owns WestFax Brewing Company with her husband Anthony. “From ride-shares to nearby food and beverage establishments and the art scene, we hear it every day: having Casa Bonita open again has lifted up the whole corridor—and the new team there have been wonderful neighbors.”
So what’s next? Marti’s original vision—to grow thoughtfully, expand hours, introduce new experiences, and increase community impact—continues to guide the path forward. And the team she built remains committed to preserving the magic.
“We’re not just a restaurant,” she reminds us. “The magic of Casa Bonita: it’s a memory-maker.” Casa Bonita’s future remains as bright (and pink) as ever.
“It’s been the honor of my career to help reopen Casa Bonita,” she said. “The team here is extraordinary. They’re the heart of the place now.” That heart is what keeps the 50-year-old icon not just alive—but ever-evolving.
And this new story is just getting started.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We join the entire Casa Bonita team in thanking Marti Winer for her leadership and wishing her all the best in her next chapter.
