Tomorrow, the Mai-Kai Restaurant will reopen its doors after a four-year hiatus and a $20 million renovation. Known for its distinctive mix of dinner theater and tropical ambiance, the Mai-Kai's revival combines cultural respect with modern upgrades, aiming to honor its rich history while embracing new enhancements. Miami Eater reported that the famed venue, which originally opened its doors in 1956 courtesy of brothers Bob and Jack Thornton, is looking not just to resume, but to elevate the experience it's renowned for.
"We are not a tiki bar and don't consider ourselves a tiki bar. We are a Polynesian venue," managing partner Bill Fuller stated, according to Miami Eater. He emphasizes the venue's commitment to authenticity—one that pays homage to Pacific Island traditions without appropriating them.
Meanwhile, Local 10 outlines that the renovated 26,000-square-foot space hosts eight themed dining rooms, from Samoa to Moorea, each peppered with artifacts true to their namesake regions. While the transformation maintains the establishment's original charm, the renovation also introduces state-of-the-art comforts, like DMX-controlled lighting for personalized ambiance at each table. Local diners are likely to eagerly re-embrace menu classics such as the Mai-Kai Pupu Platter, while exploring new additions like a Kona beer-glazed short rib that promises to underscore the restaurant's commitment to progressive tastes within its enduring framework.
"Each guest that walks through.