Mai-Kai Restaurant shutters suddenly
‘Hulaween’ event still on for Friday
The land mark Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show— a must-stop on any tiki tour list — announced Tuesday afternoon that it “will be closed effective today and for the upcoming months.”
Pia Dahlquist, director of sales and marketing, was tight-lipped about the reason the globally recognized supper club was abruptly shuttering, neither confirming or denying that the eatery, whose reputation spans six decades, was closed because of structural damage, COVID-19 restrictions or something else.
Dahlquist did say that the sold-out 12th annual Hulaween event slated for Friday, Oct. 30, was still on. Plans include a drive-in movie in the Mai-Kai’s parking lot, with a screening of the vintage horror movie “Beast of Blood.”
“Hulaween is still happening,” she said. “It’s in the parking lot.”
She also would not comment on speculation in the Sun Sentinel’s Facebook group, Let’s Eat, South Florida that a pipe burst in the kitchen, resulting in a partial roof collapse. The Mai-Kai’s telephone message does offer that the restaurant is “closed for renovation.”
Many of the comments posted in Let’s Eat, South Florida expressed sadness that theMai-Kaiwas closing, even temporarily. Many recalled celebrating
birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and reunions, while an equal number demurred that both the kitschy decor and culinary skill had grown a little dusty over the last 64 years (and overpriced).
Overwhelmingly the posts praised the Polynesian floor show.
The Mai-Kai, which is actually in Oakland Park, passed its latest state inspection on June 30, according to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Oakland Park Mayor Matthew Sparks says, “While I am sure I can speak on behalf of everyone that the loss of any business as yet another victim of this pandemic, it is especially tragic that we have lost such an iconic landmark. I’m sure this will touch the lives of those visiting aswell as the residents expecting to once again enjoy the Mai-Kai experience.”
Ivonne Macmillan, spokeswoman for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, adds, “Mai-Kai is a historical staple. We are sad to hear this news, butwe are excited to welcome them back once they reopen. This speaks volumes for the need that locals and visitors should go out and continue to support our local restaurants.”
The announcement on the Mai-Kai’s Facebook page reads in part: “While we don’t have a reopen date finalized, we will keep our loyal patrons up to date as soon aswe havemore information to share.”
Brothers and tiki-life enthusiasts Bob and Jack Thornton opened the Mai-Kai on Dec. 28, 1956. It was the most expensive restaurant opened in the U.S. that year, costing $350,000. The popular Polynesian show started in 1962.
The restaurant is really a compound with winding paths through tropical gardens filled with tiki culture art and decorative pieces, several island themed dining rooms, a gift shop and the Molokai Bar, with its famous bar shaped like a ship.
In 2016, the restaurant was the subject of the book “Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant” (Schiffer Publishing). Author Tim Glazner told the South Florida Sun Sentinel the book’s inspiration came from his own failed attempt to make a traditional tiki cocktail, the Zombie.
Years later Glazner tried the Mai-Kai’s version, which he loved so much he decided to write a book about the Mai-Kai’s legend and lore.
In 2015 the Mai-Kai was first named the best tiki bar in theworld by CriTiki. com’s 6,000 members, an honor repeated in 2016. In 2015 the restaurant was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.