Workers claim unsafe conditions at a restaurant owned by the South Park creators. They have Brooke Shields on their side

Actress Brooke Shields Backs Union Efforts at Casa Bonita, a Denver Icon Owned by South Park Creators

A Bold Move to Highlight Unsafe Conditions and Wage Disparities

Workers claim unsafe conditions at a restaurant – Brooke Shields, the iconic actress known for her work in television and film, has taken a public stance in support of Casa Bonita, a beloved Mexican restaurant in Denver, Colorado. In March 2024, she visited the establishment under a pseudonym, ensuring the restaurant’s management and co-owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind the South Park cartoon series, wouldn’t recognize her presence. This deliberate strategy allowed her to observe the workplace without prior notice, a move that underscores her commitment to addressing the concerns of the restaurant’s performers.

“The place is so big it took a while for management to realize we were there,” Shields told CNN. “And then word got out because, you know, I didn’t have a hat on and mustache or anything,” she added, hinting at the visibility of her presence despite her efforts to remain unnoticed.

Shields’ visit was part of a broader initiative to advocate for better wages and improved working conditions for Casa Bonita’s performers. The unionization of the restaurant’s staff, which gained momentum in April 2024, has become a focal point of her efforts. Approximately 80 performers, including actors, magicians, and puppeteers, have joined the union under Actor’s Equity, the national organization representing stage professionals. Shields, who has taken a leadership role in the movement, claims that negotiations have stalled despite her team’s willingness to compromise.

Casa Bonita, a Denver institution for over 50 years, is more than just a dining spot—it’s a destination where entertainment and cuisine intertwine. The restaurant’s signature features include cliff divers leaping into a vibrant blue lagoon, puppeteers performing tableside shows, and magicians engaging diners throughout the day. This immersive experience has drawn crowds of up to 3500 people daily, with performances happening every 20 minutes. However, the behind-the-scenes work of the performers has raised concerns about their safety and treatment.

According to Shields and other union members, the working conditions at Casa Bonita are alarming. Performers have reported incidents of hypothermia and chlorine toxicity from the diving pool, as well as sexual harassment by patrons. “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,” Shields explained, describing her visit as a strategic move to highlight the lack of support from management.

The union’s demands extend beyond safety to include fair wages. Performers currently earn between $21 and $26 per hour, which is roughly $10 less than the hourly rate of servers—many of whom receive tips. “They make more, and we’re not getting the same recognition,” Shields said, emphasizing the need for equitable pay. Despite the union’s concessions on paid time off, holiday pay, and additional compensation, management has only offered a minimal wage increase of less than a dollar per hour, according to Shields.

Casa Bonita’s management, however, maintains that they prioritize their team’s well-being. In a statement to CNN, they said, “We value all of our team members and their well-being. As a policy, we do not comment on ongoing labor negotiations.” Parker and Stone, the restaurant’s co-owners, have not responded to repeated requests for comment, leaving the performers without a direct voice in the discussions. This silence has frustrated union members, who feel their efforts are being ignored.

A Legacy of Laughter and Leisure

The restaurant’s connection to its co-owners runs deeper than its current operations. Stone and Parker, who grew up in the Denver area, have long been associated with Casa Bonita. As children, they frequented the spot, which they describe as a unique blend of whimsy and grandeur. The duo’s affection for the venue was so profound that it inspired the central plot of a South Park episode in 2003, and they even named their offices after it. “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 told NBC’s “The Today Show” in 2023, reflecting on the restaurant’s nostalgic charm.

Five years ago, Casa Bonita was on the verge of bankruptcy and closure. Stone and Parker, who also co-created the Broadway hit Book of Mormon, stepped in to save the establishment. Their investment revitalized the restaurant, which now draws a mix of tourists and locals. Yet, despite its resurgence, the working conditions for performers have not improved significantly. Shields notes that even after the restaurant reopened in the summer of 2023, the union’s negotiations with management have been slow to yield results.

One of the key figures in Casa Bonita’s recent transformation is Bethel Lindsley, a former gymnast and circus performer who now oversees the dive team. Lindsley, who also performs in the water shows, was recruited to professionalize the operations after the restaurant’s revival. Her experience in high-stakes performances on cruise ships like Royal Caribbean and The Han Show in China has equipped her with the expertise to lead the team. However, she acknowledges the challenges of balancing the restaurant’s entertaining facade with the realities of its workforce.

Shields, who has been a vocal advocate for the performers, points to the absence of safety protocols as a critical issue. “It’s just so disheartening because they’re putting their lives at risk, and they’re not being looked after,” she said, expressing her frustration with the management’s lack of response. The union has also highlighted the absence of an active shooter policy and emergency action plans, leaving performers vulnerable in situations that could escalate quickly.

As the union continues its push for better conditions, the question remains whether Trey Parker and Matt Stone will engage more actively. Their recent visits to the restaurant have not included participation in any of the 14 bargaining sessions with Actor’s Equity, according to Shields. This absence has fueled speculation about their priorities, with some suggesting they may focus more on the restaurant’s profitability than the well-being of its employees. For now, the performers are left to navigate their demands without the support of the owners, relying on Shields’ advocacy to bring attention to their plight.

The incident at Casa Bonita has sparked a broader conversation about labor rights in the entertainment industry. While the restaurant’s guests enjoy the spectacle, the performers behind the scenes are pushing for recognition and fair treatment. As the unionization efforts continue, the outcome could set a precedent for other venues in Denver and beyond, proving that even in the heart of a beloved landmark, the voices of the workers matter.