Casa Bonita is just one signature away from belonging to Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of the animated Comedy Central mainstay South Park.
The Colorado natives agreed to buy the iconic Mexican eatery from bankrupt owners Summit Family Restaurants for $3.1 million, according to documents filed Monday in bankruptcy court. Stone and Parker are purchasing Casa Bonita under the name "The Beautiful Opco."
The agreement, first reported by Westword, still needs a final sign-off from Judge Michael E. Romero. Summit Family Restaurants will also have to pay its landlord $900,000 to settle its debts.
The famous Lakewood destination, known more for its extravagant decor and immersive experience than the Mexican food it serves, closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just over a year later, its parent company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving the restaurant's future uncertain. While it was due to reopen for diners this month, the space has only opened up for free tours.
Casa Bonita superfans rejoiced when the South Park creators -- who met at the University of Colorado, Boulder -- told Governor Jared Polis they intended to buy the property. The restaurant was the setting of a 2003 episode of South Park and has been mentioned in the show several other times.
It's a dream long in the making. Stone and Parker briefly considered buying the restaurant when it came up for sale in 2012.
