Casa Bonita eliminates tipping, going against service industry norm

Guests who dine at the Casa Bonita will not be asked to tip on their meals and drinks, challenging the conventional service industry model in Denver and beyond.

The Lakewood landmark made its highly anticipated reopening to the public on June 23, offering locals the chance to buy tickets that include a meal. Tickets cost $39.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids ages 3 to 12. Kids under 3 are free.

Higher-ups made the decision to eliminate tips — and raise the service staff’s base pay — after a soft opening period during which “we found guests simply weren’t tipping,” according to an emailed statement from Casa Bonita management.

“We believe that’s due to our unconventional, pre-pay ticketing system,” the statement said.

Staff were notified just days before the reopening. According to contracts reviewed by The Denver Post, Casa Bonita originally was pla...