Mai Kai, Fort Lauderdale, FL (restaurant)

BREAKING NEWS: The Mai-Kai officially begins work on first phase of $8.5 million renovation projects

With three key building permits in hand, the new ownership group is finally moving full-steam ahead on major construction projects that will restore and reshape the historic Polynesian restaurant.

The the latest inside information at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-7eg http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/03/15/breaking-news-the-mai-kai-officially-begins-work-on-first-phase-of-8-5-million-renovation-projects/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2023-03-15 12:39:10 ]

Great news!

Thanks again for the tremendous amount of detail in the articles!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Behind the scenes at The Mai-Kai as restoration ramps up in 2023

With contractors and construction crews moving full-speed ahead on a massive renovation of the infrastructure and exterior of The Mai-Kai, a small team of craftsmen continues to meticulously restore the historic South Florida restaurant's elaborately themed interior guest areas in exacting detail.

Get the latest news on the renovations and take a peek inside at the restoration work led by creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller at AtomicGrog.com or http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/04/04/exclusive-photos-behind-the-scenes-at-the-mai-kai-as-restoration-ramps-up-in-2023/

The Mai-Kai renovations, April 2023: Bora Bora building comes down as restoration efforts pick up steam.

The structural footprint of the historic South Florida restaurant changed dramatically with the demolition of a long-dormant building. Meanwhile, work accelerated restoring the vintage dining rooms and rebuilding the back of house.

Take a look behind the scenes in our latest deep dive at AtomicGrog.com or http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/05/28/the-mai-kai-renovations-april-2023-bora-bora-building-comes-down-as-restoration-efforts-ramp-up/

The Hukilau 2023 highlights: The Cobra's Kiss is served on Thursday, Typhoon Tommy talks about the refurbishment on Friday, Molokai Girls reunion on Saturday ...

Polynesian show on the main stage Saturday night ...

More highlights at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-7rD

Updated Cobra's Kiss review and recipe at http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2011/11/20/mai-kai-cocktail-review-cobra-kiss-is-an-exotic-taste-explosion-guaranteed-to-strike-your-fancy/

It was an honor to join Spike and Garret Richard on Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour during the closing ceremonies of The Hukilau.

You can watch our Rum Barrel showdown plus more cocktail geekery on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MhXpWiSNiq8

Here's the updated tribute recipe for The Mai-Kai's Barrel O’ Rum: http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2011/06/27/the-rum-barrel-the-rodney-dangerfield-of-tropical-drinks/

Okole maluna!

Getting anxious. Any word on when the Mai-Kai will reopen? We have a pet restoration project that we hope will happen, wondering if anyone there is soliciting input...

Also, just throwing this out there, since every time we've gone it's always been a little different, and from what we've seen in pics and film, all the old days from the 1950s beginnings to the expansions and do-overs, it's always been a little different ... so what's your favorite "era" of the Mai-Kai and why?

The Mai-Kai crew is headed to Tiki Oasis! I'll be joined by manager Kern Mattei and creative director Typhoon Tommy on Saturday, Aug. 5, for a special presentation, "Tiki History Reimagined: The Restoration and Reopening of The Mai-Kai."

Get more info and register for The Mai-Kai seminar now at https://www.tikioasis.com/seminars/saturday/

Mike and Marie,

I don't have one specific era in mind, but a sliver of time that I wish I could get back was early 1979, when I turned 18. That was the legal drinking age back then, and I missed my opportunity to meet and have a drink crafted by Mariano Licudine before he retired that same year.

Hayward, when was the first time you went to the Mai-Kai?

The late 70s and early 80s is an interesting period. We don't have too many shots of the Mai-Kai from that time, and would love to have seen it then. Meeting Mariano and getting a drink made by him would have been great. Our first time there, just over 20 years later, was an interesting time there. The Tiki Revival had not really happened, or was in its infancy. TC was just a Yahoo group, the BOT had just come out, TBRP was about the only site online for tiki. The Mai-Kai was pretty great then. The menu was huge, they used smokers quite a bit and the food was terrific. We would also love to have seen the Mai-Kai in the mid 90s, that period when the Cocktail Nation had just come out, which arguably was the precursor of the Tiki Revival.

We would love to see the front doors restored to their underwater blue (kind of the color of your shirt in the photo above), which we knew it as in the early 2000s.

Mike and Marie,

Unfortunately, I did not set foot inside until the Tiki Revival, early 2000s era. As a rambunctious young dude in South Florida in the '80s and '90s, I drove by many times and marveled at the exterior but unfortunately never ventured inside until later. I thought it was for old folks and tourists :>( ... That's my big regret. But I like to pick Kern's brain since he pretty much saw every era since the '80s.

We'll see you at Tiki Oasis in San Diego! Get your tickets now ...

Friday, Aug. 4 - https://www.tikioasis.com/seminars/friday/

Saturday, Aug. 5 - https://www.tikioasis.com/seminars/saturday/

NEW at AtomicGrog.com ... "Meticulous attention to detail is hallmark of The Mai-Kai restoration project," an exhaustive deep dive into all the work by the historic restaurant's artists and craftspeople over the past two months. See photos and exclusive info on the lamp-rebuilding efforts and other projects by creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller and Scott "Flounder" Scheidly, plus lots more.

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/07/12/meticulous-attention-to-detail-is-hallmark-of-the-mai-kai-restoration-project-may-june-2023-update/

PLUS, a second full story: "Historic restaurant's new infrastructure begins to take shape," an exclusive look behind the scenes at the crucial work completed over the past two months in the multimillion-dollar restoration project ...

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/07/12/the-mai-kai-renovations-may-june-2023-historic-restaurants-new-infrastructure-begins-to-take-shape/

New on AtomicGrog.com ... Tiki Oasis here we come! The Mai-Kai team joins The Atomic Grog for two special presentations. We hope you'll join us. Check out the new story for a sneak preview of The Mai-Kai seminars, plus our picks for the top Tiki Oasis highlights.

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/07/31/tiki-oasis-here-we-come-the-mai-kai-team-joins-the-atomic-grog-for-two-special-presentations/

I was born in the Ft. Lauderdale area in 1970, and ever since I was a kid my family has been going to the Mai Kai for special occasions. But it wasn't until the early 1990s when I was in my 20s that I was able to fully take advantage of the magnificence that is the happy hour in the Molokai Bar. Most of my visits to the Mai Kai have been to the Molokai Bar because, frankly, doing the whole dinner show - while amazing - is a costly endeavor that I've mostly relegated to special occasions.

While I've always liked tiki, I really got into in 2005. It wasn't until then that I realized just how much I took the Mai Kai for granted. I never really understood or appreciated just how unique the Mai Kai was until I joined Tiki Central and saw that all of the other "Tiki Palaces" had closed and the Mai Kai was the last of its kind. Now I realize that it is a special place to be treasured and revered and that it needs our support to ensure its continued existence. Unfortunately, many South Floridians look at the Mai Kai as a tourist trap and don't support it.

Just updated at AtomicGrog.com: The history of the Derby Daiquiri story with lots more info and photos that Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei and I presented earlier this month at Tiki Oasis. Okole maluna!

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2011/06/30/the-derby-daiquiri-the-mai-kais-100000-drink/

Check out the new dedicated page for all the latest exclusive news, photos and updates plus past coverage of The Mai-Kai restoration and reopening at AtomicGrog.com or http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-restoration-guide/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2023-08-21 19:05:42 ]

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2023-08-21 19:06:04 ]

Aloha I've got a business trip out to watch a SpX launch on November 1st. I was hoping that I'd take a couple of extra days and get a chance to visit some Florida tiki, including the Mai Kai. Do you think there's any chance the Mai Kai will be open in early November? thanks and cheers

FunkyTiki, I'm afraid it won't be open yet in November. The parking lot project is just starting, and that's a three-month job. Look for a new update on the blog, coming soon.

NEW deep dive at AtomicGrog.com ... Outside The Mai-Kai: Artistic flourishes set stage for reimagination, early 2024 reopening The final phase of the multimillion-dollar renovation kicks off as artists and craftsmen restore and transform the signature porte-cochère. Get the latest news, photos and inside info on the work by creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller and artist Scott "Flounder" Scheidly, plus the start of the massive parking lot project. We share updated info on a possible reopening date, plus full recaps of all the work done on the exterior of the property over the summer.

Get the full scoop at http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/09/23/outside-the-mai-kai-artistic-flourishes-set-stage-for-reimagination-early-2024-reopening-summer-2023-recap/

Also check out the second story featuring all the news on the interior restoration and infrastructure overhaul ...

NEW at AtomicGrog.com ... Inside The Mai-Kai: Detailed restoration advances amid total infrastructure overhaul (summer 2023 recap) Work is progressing on the historic South Florida restaurant's guest areas alongside a near total rebuild of the back-of-house facilities. Check out exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and the latest news on the meticulous restoration of the dining rooms and vintage lamps by creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller and artist Scott "Flounder" Scheidly, the painstaking efforts of other craftsmen refurbishing interior walls and ceilings, plus updates on the build-out of the new kitchen and back bar.

Get all this and more at http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/09/23/inside-the-mai-kai-detailed-restoration-advances-amid-total-infrastructure-overhaul-summer-2023-recap/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2023-09-27 16:23:56 ]

The Mai-Kai's creative director, "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller, talks about create immersive Tiki spaces on YouTube ... https://www.youtube.com/live/nE_pJRnHAh4?si=ba2fuoy0q0YuPt-Z

I was at a Postcard Collectors show this weekend and came across this postcard from the Mai Kai. I scrolled through all the pages on this thread and didn't see it posted anywhere..

The lovely Mai Kai Islanders

Back of card:

Not sure what year this would be from.

Any word on a reopening date or a rough idea - anyone?

They're shooting for "early 2024." If I had to guess, I'd say March is most likely. http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/09/23/outside-the-mai-kai-artistic-flourishes-set-stage-for-reimagination-early-2024-reopening-summer-2023-recap/#reopening

SBJiminyC, I checked with Swanky and he thinks that postcard is from the early '70s. Aloha!

Sorry, I forgot to post this earlier. I'll have another update at AtomicGrog.com before the end of the year ...

Mai-Kai update, fall 2023: Artists shine amid construction as final renovation projects take flight

While multiple construction projects are underway inside and outside the historic property, a small team of craftsmen is bringing the vintage decor back to life.

Take an inside look at the work that has been happening at The Mai-Kai over the past three months, including exclusive photos ... https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/11/28/mai-kai-update-fall-2023-artists-shine-amid-construction-as-final-renovation-projects-take-flight/

Beyond Bora Bora: Reimagination of Mai-Kai entry experience evokes original vision

A new driveway and lushly landscaped parking lot will completely immerse guests in a South Seas fantasy world, just as the original owners envisioned. On the 67th anniversary of the historic South Florida restaurant, The Atomic Grog shared a deep dive into the history of the property, the plans for the outdoor spaces, plus the latest news and photos on the work leading up to a grand reopening in 2024.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/12/28/beyond-bora-bora-reimagination-of-mai-kai-entry-experience-evokes-original-vision/

Mai-Kai refurbishment 2023 year-end recap: Updates, photos, timeline

The artists, craftsmen and management working on the multimillion-dollar reimagination of The Mai-Kai tied a bow on a busy year in late 2023, finishing several projects and taking on ambitious new ones. As the total transformation of the grounds outside becomes a top priority, the indoor guest spaces of the historic restaurant continue receive careful restoration with no detail left untended.

Get the latest news and images of work happening all around the property, then take a look back at the highlights of 2023 with our extensive month-by-month timeline featuring new photos and links to all the past coverage. We're looking forward to big news in 2024!

Check out the full story at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/01/07/the-mai-kai-refurbishment-2023-year-end-recap-updates-photos-timeline/

The Mai-Kai restoration was the No. 4 story of 2023. Check out the full list on The Atomic Grog, plus two new cocktail recipes ...

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/01/18/top-10-stories-of-2023-tiki-resurgence-and-appreciation-breathes-life-into-year-marked-by-loss/

January update: Mai-Kai renovations engulf entire property, reopening estimated for summer

Extensive infrastructure work moves underground, artists expand scope of restoration as project points toward completion by middle of the year. Check out photos and exclusive news from manager Kern Mattei and creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/02/12/mai-kai-update-january-2024-renovations-engulf-entire-property-reopening-estimated-for-summer/

Catching up with the last few updates ...

Exterior reimagination up next as $15 million Mai-Kai project plows ahead

Get the latest refurbishment news, a preview of the landscaping project, updates on permits and the reopening timeline, plus more.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/03/11/mai-kai-update-february-2024-exterior-reimagination-up-next-as-15-million-mai-kai-project-plows-ahead/

Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go

New equipment is now being installed in the rebuilt back-of-house at the historic South Florida restaurant.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/04/01/mai-kai-kitchen-and-bar-take-shape-as-team-heads-to-tiki-a-go-go-event-march-2024-update/

I'm still recovering from Tiki-a-Go-Go, but a new story is coming soon. Here are a few photos from the event ...

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2024-04-25 17:08:32 ]

Exclusive: The Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project (April 2024 update)

Check out the full coverage of the panel discussion at Tiki-a-Go-Go, including new photos and renderings of plans for the reimagination of the entry experience at the historic restaurant. The story at AtomicGrog.com also includes updates on all the recent work, plus the upcoming sneak preview at The Hukilau in June.

Direct link: https://wp.me/p1xHjT-8bc

Exclusive tours of The Mai-Kai will be offered during The Hukilau on June 7. Click here for all the info: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/05/18/the-hukilau-2024-preview-symposiums-vendors-and-more-announced-for-22nd-tiki-weekender/#mai-kai-tours

New on the AtomicGrog.com blog: The Hukilau 2024 preview & flashback: Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders

The South Florida artist will share his experiences creating authentic Polynesian art - both large and small - during a presentation next Saturday at the annual Tiki weekender on Pompano Beach. Check out our new event preview, Will’s back story and photos of his work, plus an exclusive audio-visual walking tour we recorded with manager Kern Mattei before the 2020 closing ... https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/06/02/the-hukilau-2024-preview-flashback-inside-and-outside-the-mai-kai-with-tiki-carver-will-anders/

The Mai-Kai restoration work expands, sneak previews offered at The Hukilau (May 2024 update)

The $15 million project continues to engulf the 2.7-acre historic property as event passholders are treated to special tours of fully restored indoor guest areas.

Check out the event preview, extensive updates and photos: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/06/05/the-mai-kai-restoration-work-expands-sneak-previews-offered-at-the-hukilau-may-2024-update/

Lovingly restored treasure to open late summer

From Florida Rambler: "The Mai-Kai Restaurant is a beloved historic landmark that is re-opening later this summer or fall after four years of careful restoration. Great effort went into maintaining the Polynesian mystique of the Fort Lauderdale icon."

See the full story on The Mai-Kai's history and restoration: https://www.floridarambler.com/historic-florida-getaways/mai-kai-restaurant/

Photos taken June 7 during a sneak peek at The Molokai bar during The Hukilau. More to come on The Atomic Grog.

Check out a video of the sneak preview from Tiki Hunting: https://youtu.be/TZv2QHfW9cU?si=i8Y9a5TaBf4XoUvI

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel also wrote a story after visiting The Mai-Kai right after The Hukilau:

Sneak peek: Inside the Mai-Kai Restaurant’s $15 million face-lift — and when it reopens https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2024/06/11/mai-kai-opening-date-disney-orlando-theme-park-magic/?share=dl1dtymaononaiaatpsh

Stay tuned for more photos and updates ....

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2024-06-21 10:34:38 ]

The Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale featured The Mai-Kai on the front page of Sunday's paper. The story, which was published online earlier this month, includes interviews with creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller, manager Kern Mattei and owner Bill Fuller. The refurbished restaurant is on target to soft-open in September, with a grand-opening set for sometime in October, Fuller told the newspaper.

See the story online: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/now-i-kind-of-understand-how-walt-disney-did-it-inside-the-mai-kai-restaurant-s-15-million-facelift-and-when-it-reopens/ar-BB1o2c1w

The Mai-Kai sneak preview at The Hukilau

Hundreds of passholders got a special look inside The Molokai bar and other guest areas, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the restoration and reimagination during the event last month.

Click here for photos and exclusive coverage of the tours: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/07/05/the-hukilau-highlights-photos-and-memories-from-2023-tiki-weekender-in-south-florida-2/#mai-kai-tours

Great writeup and photos, thanks!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of The Mai-Kai restoration, a new story at AtomicGrog.com ...

Guests of The Hukilau got a rare look at the renovated and reimagined areas of the historic restaurant during the June event.

Check out the new images and full recap of the special sneak preview on the blog: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/07/10/exclusive-photos-inside-the-molokai-bar-and-tour-of-the-mai-kai-restoration/

NEW at AtomicGrog.com ... Mai-Kai restoration update (June-July 2024)

Parking lot reimagination begins as owner targets fall reopening

Everything you need to know about the massive transformation of the grounds and landscaping of the historic restaurant, exclusive inside information and photos, plus a full recap of work completed over the past two months. Check out the extensive coverage of the $15 million project at https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/08/10/mai-kai-restoration-update-parking-lot-reimagination-begins-as-owner-targets-fall-reopening-june-july-2024/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2024-08-10 13:03:53 ]

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2024-08-10 13:04:06 ]

An excellent update, Jim--thanks!

Mai Kai Instagram page now showing employment ads for cooks, bartenders, musicians and dancers. Looks like its getting closer to the finish line.

https://www.instagram.com/the_maikai_restaurant/

NEW: Mai-Kai landscaping transformed as hiring begins for fall reopening (August 2024 update)

Clearly visible signs of a looming reopening have emerged at the beloved South Florida Polynesian restaurant as dozens of workers and heavy equipment toil daily on the massive project to reimagine the entryway and parking lot. Meanwhile, "now hiring" ads appeared on social media for the first time.

Check out the comprehensive recap of last month's progress, including new photos and exclusive inside info at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/09/02/mai-kai-landscaping-transformed-as-hiring-begins-for-fall-reopening-august-2024-update/

NEW: Mai-Kai reopening announcement imminent as $15M restoration project speeds toward conclusion (September 2024 update)

With the four-year anniversary of the October 2020 closing looming, all hands are on deck at the historic South Florida restaurant to meet the mandate of a fall reopening. An immense amount of work was completed last month, including the hiring of staff and beginning of training inside the newly built kitchen and back-of-house bars.

https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/11/mai-kai-reopening-announcement-imminent-as-15m-restoration-project-speeds-toward-conclusion-september-2024-update/

The Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist in advance of grand reopening

The revered cocktail program is in experienced and enthusiastic hands as the historic restaurant prepares for its return in November. Meet The Mai-Kai's new head bartender and learn about his background and plans for the future. "I see my role as a preservationist of history and a keyholder to some of The Mai Kai's best secrets," Cory Starr says.

Full story and interview at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/28/the-mai-kai-welcomes-cory-starr-as-new-chief-mixologist-in-advance-of-grand-reopening/

NEW: The Mai-Kai announces reservations and reopening coming 'very soon'

Four years after the October 2020 closing, The Mai-Kai made a long-awaited announcement on social media that indicates the reopening of the historic restaurant is right around the corner.

Check out the new blog post at AtomicGrog.com that will be constantly updated with all the latest news and insights on the upcoming opening, including exclusive in-depth coverage and photos.

Bookmark for updates: https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/10/30/updates-latest-news-and-full-coverage-of-the-mai-kai-reopening-in-2024/

SOMEHOW...THE MAI KAI HAS RETURNED!

(How about a little pomp and circumstance from the Old School Tiki Community to celebrate!)