This month, we had the pleasure of meeting Pia Dahlquist, Director of Public Relations at the legendary Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale. Her journey from a small town, Storlien in Jämtland, Sweden, to the vibrant heart of South Florida’s hospitality scene is as unique and colorful as the venue she represents.
Pia first arrived in Florida in 1984, intending to stay just six months. Little did she know that what began as a temporary adventure would turn into a lifelong career. After a brief stint guiding Scandinavian tourists, Pia’s talent and determination led her to become one of the most vital figures behind Mai-Kai’s public presence—and later, its enduring legacy.
Mai-Kai is not just a restaurant, it’s an institution. Founded in 1956 by two brothers from Chicago, inspired by Polynesian culture and the restaurant “Don the Beachcomber’s tiki bar” they had frequented in their youth, the brothers built Mai-Kai on what was then remote farmland. Locals thought they were crazy to open so far from the city, but they proved everyone wrong. Already from the start, it was a success. Lines wrapped around the building, with waitresses serving drinks to the eager guests waiting in line, helping pass the time as they stood outside for hours, hoping to experience the magic inside the iconic Mai-Kai. The restaurant earned more than a million dollars in its first year and quickly became one of the top grossing restaurants in USA.
Over the years, Mai-Kai grew into a world-famous destination with immersive Polynesian shows, lush gardens, and a reputation for top-tier tropical cocktails. One of the cornerstones of that reputation was Mariano Licudine, a Filipino bartender recruited from Don the Beachcomber who developed Mai-Kai’s iconic drink menu in 1956. Recipes are closely guarded secrets. Mixologists and Bartenders sign confidentiality agreements, and even they don’t know the exact ingredients that goes into every drink.
The Mai-Kai Islander Revue, is a 45 minute show that takes you on a journey through the Polynesian islands like Tahiti and Hawaii. The show is the “bread and butter” of Mai-Kai and is performed 2-3 times every evening with a matinee on Sunday. The highlight of the show is the Samoan Fire Knife dance that traces its roots to ancient Samoan warrior traditions.
A key reason behind Mai-Kai’s lasting success and what has consistently set it apart from other Tiki and Polynesian-themed restaurants is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. From the food to the atmosphere and performances, Mai-Kai has always remained true to the spirit of Polynesian culture. They even keep traditional Tiki carvers on payroll, ensuring that every detail, from the décor to the storytelling, reflects genuine craftsmanship. It’s this dedication that has made the restaurant a household name among people across the entire United States. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
In 2020, a devastating sprinkler incident combined with once in a lifetime record-breaking rain nearly destroyed the restaurant. The kitchen ceiling collapsed, and insurance negotiations began. On top of that, the pandemic forced a full closure. Pia, ever resourceful, pitched the idea of selling their famous cocktails to-go—bringing in $20,000 ++ in just two days. Outdoor events, drive-in movies, and Friday night bar pop-ups followed, keeping the spirit alive during renovations.
Despite their efforts, it became clear the family could not afford a full restoration. Enter Bill Fuller of Mad Room Hospitality, who acquired 85% of Mai-Kai. A new era began. While much has changed, including a newly renovated entrance bar and expanded capacity, Mai-Kai’s essence remains, with Pia continuing to serve as its voice.
Last November, after years of extensive renovation, Mai-Kai proudly reopened its doors to the public. The transformation includes a brand-new outdoor seating area, expanded indoor capacity, and thoughtful upgrades to their iconic tropical garden. Despite the scale of the renovation, the team has managed to preserve the one-of-a-kind authenticity that has defined Mai-Kai for decades, blending modern improvements with timeless tradition.
Pia’s professional path is a story of entrepreneurship and creativity. During her years at Mai-Kai Pia had the opportunity to simultaneously start her own travel company, Yellow Brick Roads, after working closely with TUI and Scandinavian tour groups for many years. Her deep knowledge of Fort Lauderdale and unmatched network of tour operators, hoteliers, and international agents have made her indispensable to the region’s hospitality ecosystem.
She has also played an integral role in Swedish-American connections in South Florida. “If you wanted to meet Swedes on a Friday night, you went to Mai-Kai,” she recalls with a smile. For many, it felt like home. Mai Kai has always been something of a second home to many Swedes and Scandinavian expats.
Pia’s dedication to the hospitality industry hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her commitment and contributions have earned her recognition from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, a testament to the impact she’s made over the years. Despite her deep roots in Florida, a part of her heart still belongs to Sweden. Once a year, she makes the journey back—not just to visit, but to reconnect. Surrounded by the mountains and the familiar rhythms of her childhood home, she finds a sense of calm and perspective that continues to inspire her work back in Fort Lauderdale.
With Mai-Kai now officially designated a historical landmark and a new chapter unfolding, Pia is optimistic. “There are many years ahead,” she says. And if the past is any indication, they’ll be full of music, color, and the warm welcome of a tiki torch-lit night.
To learn more about Mai-Kai or connect with Pia, visit: www.maikai.com
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