Casa Bonita, the 41-year-old Lakewood institution known more for its “eatertainment” than its food, has been awarded landmark status by the Lakewood Historical Society.
But Casa Bonita’s food nor its pop culture icon status didn’t earn its right as a Lakewood Historical Society Landmark, rather it was its history, architecture and community value that made it an outstanding candidate, Lakewood Historical Society member Ann Moore told The Denver Post.
“They’ve made such a great contribution to the community,” Moore told The Post. “They’re a locally grown business that employs 300 people in the summer months – for many young local kids, this is their first job.”
Manager Mike Mason started working at Casa Bonita at age 16 – nearly 40 years ago. He told The Post, “We’re not going to change the original formula. That’s what we attribute our success to.”
With the original formula intact, generations to come will be able to see the cliff divers and suck on sopapillas at the restaurant inside the strip mall at Colfax Avenue and Pierce Street. Casa Bonita owners and the new owners of the strip mall recently secured a long-term lease.
According to The Post, Broad Street Realty will be investing millions in facade and parking lot improvements at the Lamar Station Plaza as part of a wave of redevelopment along the West Colfax corridor.
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