NLRB accuses Casa Bonita of unfair labor practices
The Denver dinner theater, owned by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, faces a December hearing over its unionized performers' 18-month bargaining dispute.
The National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against Casa Bonita on October 2, alleging the Denver dinner theater refused to bargain in good faith with its unionized performers and cut their hours without negotiating with the union.
According to the complaint, staff at Casa Bonita, largely entertainers represented by Actors' Equity Association, voted to unionize in November 2024. The union filed its original unfair labor practice charge in September 2025, saying the company had not bargained in good faith over 18 months of talks.
A strike and a celebrity visit preceded the filing
This complaint vindicates what the workers have been saying throughout 18 months of bargaining.
Workers struck around Halloween 2025 as the dispute continued. In July 2026, actress Brooke Shields visited the restaurant in a show of support for the union drive, according to the union's account of the dispute.
"This complaint vindicates what the workers have been saying throughout 18 months of bargaining," said Andrea Hoeschen, general counsel for Actors' Equity Association, in a statement after the NLRB filing. Casa Bonita did not respond to requests for comment before the complaint was reported.
Casa Bonita was bought out of bankruptcy in 2021 by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who took over the Denver landmark, known for its cliff divers and cave dining rooms, from previous owner Summit Family Restaurants.
A hearing is set for December
The NLRB has scheduled a hearing in Denver for December 7, where the allegations will be examined before a judge. An NLRB complaint reflects the agency's assessment that the charge has merit, but the allegations remain unproven until the hearing concludes.
The case echoes other labor disputes across North American hospitality this year, including Nova Scotia's new law to protect workers' tips, as service staff in multiple jurisdictions have pushed for clearer rules on pay and bargaining. Denver's dining scene has otherwise had a strong year, with Milpero winning the city's only new Michelin star in 2026.
Casa Bonita has not announced any change to its unionized performers' schedules or pay pending the December hearing.
