LAKEWOOD, CO (Amazing America TV) — Amazing America’s Hunter Hulbert continues our Amazing Itineraries Colorado adventure with a trip to an iconic restaurant that blends Tex-Mex food with exceptional entertainment and spectacle.

Casa Bonita is a story of grand dreams, big failures, and rebirth.

This reporter remembers the excitement of visiting the first Casa Bonita restaurant in Oklahoma City. It was a dining experience like no other — complete with balloons, puppet shows, and mariachi bands that danced right at your table. The original location opened in 1968. It was followed in 1974 by the opening of the now-famous Lakewood, Colorado, location.

While the original restaurant and other locations across Oklahoma and Texas eventually closed, the Lakewood location seemed to stand the test of time, boasting a 30-foot waterfall and cliff divers.

But after falling on hard times, the restaurant closed — and many believed it was gone for good.

That changed when South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone purchased the restaurant, investing roughly $40 million in a massive renovation project. Casa Bonita spans more than 50,000 square feet, making it one of the largest restaurants in the U.S.

Today, Casa Bonita stands once again. Its iconic pink facade tells a story of American entrepreneurship, seasoned with perseverance and hope.

Stay tuned as Hunter continues his Amazing Itineraries adventure with more stops.

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