The $20 Million Revival: 7 Secrets Behind The Mai-Kai Restaurant’s Historic Reopening

After four long years of silence, the most famous tiki temple in the world has roared back to life. The legendary Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, officially reopened its doors to the public in late November 2024, following a monumental, multi-million dollar restoration. This wasn't just a simple renovation; it was a painstaking, $20 million-plus effort to save a true American historic landmark from ruin, preserving its 1950s architectural charm and the spirit of classic Tiki culture for a new generation. The return of the Mai-Kai is arguably the biggest event in the global tiki community in decades, promising to transport guests back to a fantastical South Pacific paradise.

The journey to this grand reopening—which some have called the "Tiki Revival of the Century"—involved a complex partnership between the founding family, a dedicated preservation group, and world-class designers. As of today, December 11, 2025, the Mai-Kai is fully operational, offering its iconic Polynesian dinner theater experience, award-winning cocktails, and a fully restored atmosphere that is both fresh and deeply nostalgic. Here are the seven biggest secrets and most critical details behind the historic return of the Mai-Kai.

The Founders and The New Guardians: A Biography of Preservation

The Mai-Kai's enduring legacy is built on the vision of its original founders and the fierce dedication of the team that saved it.

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• Original Founders: Bob and Jack Thornton. The Mai-Kai was the brainchild of two ambitious brothers from Chicago, Bob and Jack Thornton, who were in their 20s when they opened the restaurant on December 28, 1956. They were inspired by the success of Victor Bergeron’s Trader Vic’s and Donn Beach’s Don the Beachcomber, but aimed to create a grander, more immersive South Pacific experience.
• Initial Vision: The Thornton brothers hired a set designer to create a sprawling, 2.7-acre property featuring a thatched roof, tropical gardens, and themed dining rooms, establishing the Mai-Kai as a pinnacle of exotica and escapism.
• The Thornton Family Legacy: The family continued to operate the restaurant for decades, maintaining the authenticity and high standards that earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The New Ownership Group: Following a devastating roof collapse and water damage in 2020, the Thornton family partnered with an investment group to fund the colossal restoration. This group includes the Barlington Group and Mad Room Hospitality, led by historic preservationist Bill Fuller. Fuller and his team worked closely with the family to ensure the restoration was a faithful preservation of the original design, not a mere modernization.

1. The $20+ Million Restoration: Saving a National Treasure

The closure of the Mai-Kai in 2020 was a shock to the global Tiki community, caused by a catastrophic roof collapse and severe water damage that compromised the building's structure. The subsequent restoration was not just a repair job; it was a massive, multi-year undertaking costing over $20 million, aimed at preserving the building's status as a National Register of Historic Places landmark.

The restoration team meticulously salvaged and restored countless original artifacts, including indigenous oceanic decor, vintage lighting, and the famous tiki carvings that adorn the property. The project involved completely replacing the roof, upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems to modern standards, and ensuring the entire structure could withstand future hurricanes, all while maintaining the 1950s-era authenticity.

2. The Return of the Legendary Molokai Bar

One of the most anticipated elements of the reopening was the revival of the legendary Molokai Bar. Designed to look like the interior of a 19th-century whaling ship, the bar is a dark, moody, and atmospheric space where the Mai-Kai’s famous cocktails are served.

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The restoration included the bar’s iconic nautical elements and its signature "rain" effect that simulates a tropical storm outside the windows. The bar's program is now centered around the experience of its 55 handcrafted drinks, continuing its legacy as one of the most ambitious and influential cocktail programs in the world.

3. The Iconic Cocktails: 55 Handcrafted Recipes and The Mystery Drink

The Mai-Kai’s cocktail menu is as famous as its show, rooted in the groundbreaking work of mixologist Mariana E. McKee, who was hired by the Thornton brothers in the early years. The menu features 55 unique drinks, many of which are closely guarded secrets.

Must-try drinks that have returned to the menu include:

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• The Mystery Drink: Served in a giant clam shell, this potent concoction is famously delivered by a "Mystery Girl" who performs a ceremonial dance and presents a flower lei.
• The Black Magic: A powerful, coffee-flavored rum drink that is a favorite among longtime patrons.
• The Jet Pilot: A high-octane blend of rums and spices, celebrated in the modern Tiki revival movement.
• The Cobra's Fang (Cobra's Kiss): A classic rum and citrus blend with a spicy kick.
• The Demerara Float: A complex, rum-heavy cocktail featuring a dark rum float.

4. Design by Kravitz Design: A Modern Hand on a Historic Icon

Adding a surprising and high-profile element to the restoration was the involvement of Kravitz Design, the firm founded by rock legend Lenny Kravitz. Their role was to oversee the $20 million improvement, ensuring that the modernization efforts did not detract from the original, sacred charm of the structure.

Kravitz Design worked to protect the original architecture while enhancing the guest experience, focusing on preserving the integrity of the themed dining rooms, which include the Samoa, Bora Bora, and New Guinea spaces. This partnership brought international design credibility to the preservation effort, showcasing a commitment to quality that goes beyond typical restaurant restoration.

5. The Longest-Running Polynesian Show in the U.S.

The "Polynesian Show" is the heart of the Mai-Kai experience. Established in 1956, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running Polynesian dance show in the United States, including Hawaii.

The revue features performers from various South Pacific islands, including Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand, showcasing authentic dances, elaborate costumes, and the famous Fire-Knife Dance. The show’s return is a testament to the preservation of a unique cultural institution that has trained generations of performers.

6. The Tiki Art and Artifacts: A Museum of Exotica

The Mai-Kai is essentially a living museum of Tiki culture. The new ownership made a significant effort to restore and commission new artwork to replace pieces lost to the damage.

• Original Masters: The property still features carvings by original Tiki artist Barney West, whose work helped define the aesthetic of the 1950s Tiki movement.
• New Generation Carvers: To ensure the authenticity of the restored elements, the team commissioned new carvings from modern masters like Tiki Ray Kiefer and Will Anders. These artists used their deep knowledge of traditional Polynesian and classic Tiki styles to create new pieces that seamlessly blend with the 60-year-old decor.
• The Gardens: The 2.7-acre tropical gardens, which feature waterfalls, ponds, and hidden pathways, were also meticulously restored, providing a lush, immersive environment that transports visitors the moment they step onto the property.

7. Mai-Kai’s Historic Landmark Status

The importance of the Mai-Kai extends beyond its food and entertainment; it is a legally protected piece of American history. It was first granted a historic designation by the city of Oakland Park in November 2013, and then officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in November 2014.

This designation was a critical factor in the restoration, as it mandated that all repairs and renovations adhere to strict preservation guidelines. The Mai-Kai is significant as one of the few remaining intact examples of the Polynesian-themed restaurants that were hugely popular in post-WWII America, making its successful revival a victory for architectural and cultural preservationists across the country.