Post #453833 by Mo-Eye on Thu, May 14, 2009 3:41 AM

Found some more great info:

From the September 20, 1964 issue of the Winter Haven News Chief:

“Bob Van Dorpe Named Tiki Consultant”

“Bob Van Dorpe has been engaged by the Kahiki Corporation to serve as a special consultant for its swank restaurant soon to open in Winter Haven. Van Dorpe comes from Chicago, IL. As part of the organizational program, Van Dorpe said today that he will start immediately bringing Polynesian entertainment to the Tiki Lounge and that the restaurant will be opened as soon as possible.

Roy Beasley, president of the Kahiki Corporation, said that the company is very fortunate in obtaining the services of Van Dorpe, whose affinity for the Polynesian way of life plus his management skill, make him the perfect man for the job. Widely known in trade circles for his vast know how, Van Dorpe has a complete background in all phases of Polynesian restaurant operations. He served as assistant manager of Don the Beachcomber in Chicago, vice president of Mai-Kai, Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, and vice president of Konini, Inc. in Honolulu, Hawaii.”

Caption for the below photo reads, “Bob Van Dorpe, right, noted Chicago architect, checks plans for the new Polynesian Restaurant being built for the Kahiki Corporation on Sixth St. with Philip Maka, mixologist."

Van Dorpe's involvement here, as well as the Mai Kai, may be the answer to the debate on The Volcano thread on how the Mai Kai bowl ended up there...