Denver, CO — Front of House workers at Denver’s landmark restaurant and entertainment venue Casa Bonita have voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 7. In a National Labor Relations Board election held on December 5, the majority of the 183-worker unit voted in favor of union representation. The classifications include Table Assistants, Table Attendants, Bartenders, and Guest Services.
This victory continues a growing movement of worker organizing at Casa Bonita. In late 2024, performers and crewmembers voted to join IATSE Local 7 and Actors’ Equity Association. Earlier this year, Casa Bonita management voluntarily recognized the Arcade Department after a successful organizing drive. Now with Front of House workers unionizing as well, Casa Bonita stands as one of the most comprehensively represented entertainment and hospitality venues in the region.
The organizing effort for Front of House employees began after authorization cards were collected and made public on September 7. When Casa Bonita management denied voluntary recognition, the election was scheduled for October 10. The government shutdown delayed the vote until December 5. During this delay, IATSE offered to split the cost of using a neutral third party to conduct the election in a timely manner. Management declined this option, and anti-union messaging from the employer continued throughout the process. Despite these obstacles, workers stayed united.
For Front of House employees, union representation means a greater ability to improve day to day working conditions and continue delivering the experience guests expect from Casa Bonita. Sarah, a member of the Guest Services team, explained the motivation behind the union effort. “In our roles front of house, we work tirelessly to make sure day to day operations run smoothly and that guests leave having had a magical experience. By unionizing, we have the opportunity to stand with one another in solidarity to achieve equitable treatment, job security, and the ability to consult on the ways our workplace can be improved to ultimately benefit everyone from workers themselves to guests to management too.”
Local 7 representatives commended workers for their dedication and perseverance throughout the process. They noted that workers across departments are standing together to make Casa Bonita a fair, safe, and sustainable workplace.
This progress also comes in the context of continued worker activism at the venue. The Actors’ Equity unit went on Unfair Labor Practice strike over Halloween weekend, underscoring the need for productive dialogue and worker respect across all departments. With Front of House workers now represented by IATSE Local 7, employees are well positioned to work collaboratively toward solutions.
