13 OctOber 24-30, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | Contents | Letters | news | night+Day | CuLture | Cafe | MusiC | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | 13 Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Mark Your Calendars! The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale is finally reopening. BY RACHEL COSTA B ack in June, New Times broke the news that the famed Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale would finally make its grand return after four long years in September. Months have passed since its anticipated reopening date, and longtime customers and fans have been anxiously waiting its grand re- turn. Plus, after two hurricanes rocked Flor- ida in the short span of a few weeks, longtime regulars have grown even more concerned over its comeback. So much fuss has amounted since this summer that a Facebook group called Friends of the Mai-Kai has grown to nearly 10,000 active mem- bers — and the group has nearly 40 posts each day from long- time customers, for- mer employees, and even former Polyne- sian performers from the restaurant and venue. “As we follow the refurbishment and restoration project and await the upcoming reopening, please share your stories, photos, and experiences,” states the Facebook group in its “About” sec- tion. One of the most frequently asked ques- tions in the Facebook group is, “When is the Mai-Kai reopening?” Fans are growing wary, as some are even going as far as to book flights from out of state to Fort Lauderdale just to visit the restaurant once it reopens. Now, New Times can confirm that the Mai- Kai plans to reopen in November — and the restaurant made it unscathed after the two hurricanes. According to a source, the re- opening announcement is “imminent.” A Cultural Phenomenon Founded in 1956, brothers Robert “Bob” and Jack Thornton had a vision to create an East Coast rendition of the trendy Polynesian res- taurants from cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. They saw potential in Oakland Park and decided it was the perfect location. In 1956, they opened the Mai-Kai, an A-frame building that was, at the time, the most ex- pensive restaurant in the nation, costing $350,000 to build. The Mai-Kai quickly be- came a hot spot for celebrities and socialites, offering a unique supper club experience complete with Polynesian dancers, inventive Asian-themed cuisine, and rum-based cock- tails. Over the years, it has remained a be- loved immersive experience, standing as one of the last mid-century Polynesian supper clubs in the United States. The Thornton family upheld the original vision, securing the venue’s spot on the National Register of Historic Places. However, in October 2020, a severe storm and a malfunctioning sprinkler system caused a complete roof collapse over the kitchen, leading to the venue’s first extended closure since its inception. The overwhelm- ing scope and cost of the restoration forced the Thorntons to put the building up for sale, much to the dismay of its loyal patrons. A glimmer of hope arrived when Bill Fuller stepped in to save the historic estab- lishment. The collaborative effort and im- mense love and labor from the team have brought the Mai-Kai back to life, ensuring it retains its historic allure while introducing modern enhancements. “The Mai-Kai is an institution. It’s pro- tected by the National Park Service and is his- toric on many fronts,” Fuller told New Times in June. “It’s not just about the architectural details — it’s a cultural masterpiece. Devel- oped in the 1950s as part of the tiki move- ment, it’s very rare that such places have passed the test of time.” As November approaches, fans can look forward to returning to the Mai-Kai’s sprawl- ing 26,000-square-foot space, where much of the original charm remains intact, ensuring it remains a cultural treasure in South Florida — and a rare glimpse into the grandeur of mid-century Polynesian supper clubs. Below, New Times has collected a few heartwarming comments made to the Friends of the Mai-Kai Facebook group from longtime customers. Memories Galore “I started working at the Mai-Kai when I was 16 and the drinking age was 18. I had the best boss in the world, Phil Lori; he was like a men- tor to me. The employees and the camaraderie were the best — it was like family. I always loved my position as a tropical mixer and couldn’t have asked for a better position. The owner, Bob Thornton, gave me a feeling that everybody was equal as he shook my hand and gave me a pat on the back. I wish there were more owners like him. I miss his love for his employees and will never forget my time there and all of those that were special to me.” “My husband and I had our first date at the Mai-Kai almost 50 years ago. We enjoyed it immensely. The atmosphere was tropical and enchanting. We winter in Naples but spend a lot of time in Fort Lauderdale, where our youngest son and his wife live.” “We had our wedding reception at the Mai-Kai back in 2012. Looking forward to visiting when it reopens!” “Hi! I’m new to this group. I recently joined because I went here for happy hour beginning in 1974 until they closed. I love the food and the girls behind the bar. New Year’s Eve happy hour was so cool to start the night at!” “Oh my God, we can’t wait! I want to make my reservation so I can make the road trip from Central Florida to a haunt when I was a teenager growing up in South Florida. I am so looking forward to it, and I’ve been so blessed to keep up with you all for the rebuild.” “I’ll start with a ‘Derby Daiquiri’ for a begin- ning, then a ‘MaiTia’ for a snack, then a few ‘Ab- solut Magics’ because that’s been my drink for 56-plus years. Don’t forget the ‘Pu Pu’s’ along the way. Enjoying the evening with friends in the corner of the Molokai. Getting there early to have long conversations with Bob. Beginning the evening with Andy and Eddie. Now, after those days, a shot and a beer will do.” “Hi! I’m new to this group. I recently joined because my father, Santiago Bautista, worked there as a waiter for many years. We loved the many evenings we spent there. It was a beautiful first-class fun place to visit!” “Can’t wait to visit! I kept some memories from childhood occasions in the 70s.” To get immediate updates on when reserva- tions open up for its grand opening week, visit maikai.com. The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. 3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-3272; maikai.com. Opening November 2024. [email protected] ▼ Café Mai-Kai photo Before it closed, the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian revue was the longest-running show of its kind in the country. OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS REMAINED A BELOVED IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE.
