Fort Lauderdale's iconic Mai-Kai Restaurant is set to reopen this fall. The Polynesian-themed dining and entertainment venue, a staple since 1956, had been closed for a $15 million renovation following a roof collapse in 2020. According to Local 10, patrons have tentatively marked Friday next week on their calendars, but a mid-November opening is more likely.
The renovated Mai-Kai aims to preserve its cherished original artifacts and spaces, featuring eight themed rooms to transport visitors back to its heyday. According to the Miami New Times, excitement is growing on social media, with the Facebook group "Friends of the Mai-Kai" nearing 10,000 members, uniting fans, former employees, and performers. However, delays in the reopening date due to recent hurricanes have left fans eager for certainty.
"As we follow the refurbishment and await the reopening, please share your stories, photos, and experiences," says a statement from the Facebook group, as mentioned in the Miami New Times report.
The history of the Mai-Kai is a vital part of the region's social fabric. Since opening in 1956, it has become a local gem, attracting celebrities and embodying the mid-century Polynesian supper club scene. Even recent hurricanes haven't dampened its spirit or affected reopening plans. Bill Fuller, involved with the property, told the Miami New Times, "It's not just about the architectural details — it's a cultural masterpiece. Developed in the 1950s as part of the tiki movement, it's very rare that such places have passed the test of time."
According to the Miami New Times, longtime customers have expressed their excitement in the Friends of the Mai-Kai group; one shared, "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 mentor 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."
To stay updated on the opening and learn more about this piece of Fort Lauderdale's history, interested parties can visit maikai.com for the latest news.
