Casa Bonita To Stay Open Despite Parent Company Bankruptcy

DENVER (CBS4) - The parent company behind one of the metro area's best known landmarks is filing for bankruptcy protection, but Casa Bonita is expected to stay open.

Anyone living in Denver long enough has experienced Casa Bonita.

"It's a really fun place. I usually have my birthday party here," a young patron said.

The hard-to-miss pink building has been around since 1974. But it's what's inside -- the music, the sopapillas, and of course the cliff divers that attracts thousands every year.

"It's a place that a lot of families like to go on the weekend and hang out with their families," another patron said.

Now the future of the popular family restaurant is questionable. Its parent company, Star Buffet, Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure operations. The decision to file came after the company was unable to get financing for a $750,000 judgment against it, even though the Star Buffet president says it's profitable.

The president said in a prepared statement the restaurants under Star Buffet, including Casa Bonita, will continue with business as usual.

Still, loyal customers are worried it could close.

"I'd be really sad because it's so fun because I've never been to a place like this," another young patron said.

Casa Bonita's general manager said the restaurant does well, even in challenging economic times.

Casa Bonita is the only restaurant Star Buffet owns in Colorado.