Mai-Kai news and Supporter Spotlight on Mark Sellers of Max’s South Seas Hideaway!
Aloha everyone! The petition is moving right along at 11,70+ supporters as of this morning, great job spreading the word and keeping the momentum up!
It’s been a busy past couple of weeks filled with many tiki markets and events! We just wrapped up vending at Arizona Tiki Oasis and look forward to TO San Diego, hope to see everyone there in July!
In this petition update, we have a Supporter Spotlight on Mark Sellers, one of the owners of Max’s South Seas Hideaway in Grand Rapids MI.
Please continue to spread the word by sharing the petition link. https://www.change.org/p/save-the-historic-mai-kai-restaurant-polynesian-show-fort-lauderdale-fl
Much love and mahalo,
Tiki Don
Supporter Spotlight on Mark Sellers of Max’s South Seas Hideaway!
The Mai-Kai has a special place in Mark’s heart as well and he had this story to share with me, “The Mai Kai wasn't the first tiki bar I went to. Not even close. I thought I had "seen it all" after visiting Tiki-Ti in 2002, then various Trader Vic's locations, Smuggler's Cove, False Idol, Three Dots, LuWow (in Australia), Dirty Dick (Paris), etc. I've been to tiki bars all over the US and in several other parts of the world. I didn't really know a lot about the Mai Kai other than I had heard it was legendary. Then I attended Hukilau in 2017 and before I got there, Bamboo Ben warned me to brace myself before visiting the Mai Kai because it might spoil me on any other future tiki bars I saw. He wasn't kidding. From the moment we pulled into the Mai Kai driveway, my jaw was on the floor. I must've taken 200 photos that first night. I've been back to visit the Mai Kai several times since and there truly can be no doubt that it's the greatest tiki temple still in existence, and maybe the greatest one of all time (I'll let others debate that). I tried as hard as I could to design Max's similarly, but of course, there's really no possible way to ever "one-up", or even recreate, the splendor of the Mai Kai. No tiki bar will ever be built in the future that rivals it. That's why it's heartbreaking to hear about the recent water damage and I hope the family can somehow raise the money to repair and reopen. It would be a real shame if yet another classic tiki temple, the grandest of all them, went away. We can't let that happen.
How are my places doing? My first tiki bar was TikiCat, in Kansas City. I no longer own. During the pandemic, we defaulted on our bank loan and the bank repossessed it (and most of my other bars) and closed it down for good. So yeah...
I do still own Max's South Seas in Grand Rapids (along with Martin Cate and Gecko). We're still alive, but it's been a really, really rough 12 months. Our revenues were down more than 50% year over year, and even now they're down almost that much. But we will survive thanks to a highly motivated and dedicated management team, our e-commerce mug sales, and a PPP loan. Without all those things, we'd probably not still be here. A year from now, I expect we'll look back and say "whew, we made it!" But it's not 100% certain.”
-Mark Sellers Max’s SSH
For information, reservations, or merchandise from Max’s South Seas Hideaway please visit www.maxstiki.com
Mai-Kai News! MAI-KAI TROPICAL DRINKS TO GO FOR MOTHERS DAY!
For this special holiday, The Mai-Kai has added a Mai-Kai favorite, the PINA-COLADA!
Order deadline is 5 PM Thursday, May 6TH. Please call Pia at (954) 646-8975 to place your order
Pick-up is Friday, May 7TH, 3 PM - 5:30 or Saturday, May 8TH, 11 AM - 2 PM. (special arrangements can be made for other pick-up times)
PINA-COLADA – The classic Mai-Kai favorite just for MOM! $80/gallon or $25/quart.
BARREL O'RUM® - the name says it all: Smugglers, pirates and rum runners took their pleasures with this spirituous libation, bold and big, but rightfully smooth. We suggest serving these shaken over ice in 12 oz. cups $80/gallon or $25/quart.
MAI-TAI - a favorite of sweet Molly Malone. The celebrated drink of the islands, made smoother here by the subtle introduction of Appleton 12-year-old Jamaican Rum. We suggest serving these shaken over ice in 12 oz. cups. $120/gallon or $35/quart.
JET PILOT - This St. Patrick’s Day we dedicate this drink to Spitfire Paddy, the Irish ace who gave his all in the Battle of Britain! Fast and courageous, a vigorous blend of heavy-bodied rums and zesty juices. We suggest serving our strongest drink in 8 oz. cups shaken over lots of ice. $131.50/gallon or $35/quart.
BLACK MAGIC - The owner’s choice. A superbly smooth but forthright blending of fine dark rums and tropical juices, subtly laced with coffee and truly refreshing. We suggest serving these shaken over ice in 12 oz. cups. $80/gallon or $25/quart
THE REAL McCoy 12-year “Distiller’s Proof” Mai-Kai Blend 92 proof bottles of Rum. This rum will make you feel like you just kissed the Blarney Stone! Single-blended Barbados rum, exceptionally smooth with unmistakable notes of toasted pecan, vanilla, and wood spice, with a long elegant finish. Blended especially for The Mai-Kai. $85.60/bottle Limited supply so get yours ASAP!
Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show
3599 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 563-3272
Mai-Kai Merchandise
The Mai-Kai Vintage T-Shirt for men is back and in two exciting new colors! This shirt features a vintage two-color graphic of the Mai-Kai that dates back to the 1960s. These are printed on 100% cotton, premium fitted tees that are super soft, light, and comfortable.
You can find Mai-Kai merchandise online at www.maikaitradingpost.com
Have a great week ahead,
Tiki Don