The damage rendered a large swath of the back-of-house beyond repair. (Mai-Kai photo)īut all that changed suddenly and dramatically in October 2020, when a blast of intense tropical weather led to the collapse of the aging roof over the kitchen. Mireille Thornton, The Mai-Kai’s longtime owner and producer of its authentic Polynesian shows. For more than six decades, it resolutely withstood the tests of time and gained a loyal worldwide following among of generations of guests. The Mai-Kai is a local and national historic landmark, a beloved Polynesian restaurant that opened on Dec. What’s next? New owner promises continued effort to restore and upgradeĪ blessing in disguise? Roof collapse leads to ownership change, renovations New event space: Banquet hall planned next to reconstructed kitchenīehind the scenes: The Mai-Kai interior intact with exciting additions in the works Roof project: Crucial work underway to shore up historic structureĮntrance experience: Flow of parking lot to be reimagined “It will be a great day to see it open,” he added. After the presentation, a neighborhood resident praised the plans and said he was thrilled that The Mai-Kai will be returning as a staple destination in the area. “We care deeply about the community of Oakland Park and are grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve had,” Fuller said. “We anticipate reopening in the fall of this coming year.” “Over the last few months, we have been developing plans and securing permits,” Fuller said at the start of the neighborhood participation meeting. The real estate purchase is valued at more than $16 million. The new ownership team, led by Fuller’s Tiki Real Estate LLC, paid $7.5 million for The Mai-Kai and took out a $6 million mortgage. “Not just the architectural features, but the entire immersive experience including the shows, the music, the food, the drinks.”
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In a question-and-answer session after the April 26 meeting to share the “plans and visions” for the reopening, Fuller spoke in realistic terms about how to best preserve The Mai-Kai: “Although we are restricted based on the historic preservation, it is absolutely imperative that we are successful from a business perspective so that we can preserve all the other great attributes of The Mai-Kai,” he said. A rendering of a new event space proposed for the rear of The Mai-Kai under plans being proposed to the city of Oakland Park. “There are thousands of beautiful historic properties all over the world that are sitting vacant without their proper use, said Bill Fuller, managing partner of Miami’s Barlington Group “This is just an amazing example of a historic property that is sustainable.” Fuller’s real estate development company specializes in revitalizing cultural institutions and neighborhoods across the country. From the nautical-themed Molokai bar to the dining rooms named for South Seas islands, a night at The Mai-Kai will remain a transportive time capsule considered to be the last grand mid-century Polynesian supper club in the world.
This includes a planned revival of the Polynesian Islander Revue, the longest-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States, including Hawaii. The chief executive who leads both the land management firm that bought a controlling interest and the hospitality company that will be operating The Mai-Kai says there are no plans to alter the experience once guests walk through the doors. * Latest news on The Mai-Kai renovations and reopening in 2022 Renderings of refurbishment plans for The Mai-Kai, presented to residents of Oakland Park on April 26.įans of The Mai-Kai’s vintage look and feel should not fear these changes, however. * The Mai-Kai’s takeout cocktails returning in May and June 2022 The head of the new ownership group broke the news and unveiled artist renderings during an online presentation for the city of Oakland Park and The Mai-Kai’s neighborhood residents in late April.Īlso crucial to the reopening plans for the 65-year-old Polynesian palace, the refurbishment includes upgrading the aging roofs and air conditioning system, along with the ground-up construction of a new kitchen. When The Mai-Kai completes a multimillion-dollar renovation, guests of the historic restaurant will be treated to several major enhancements, including a more immersive arrival experience and a new banquet hall.