ADRIFT Burger Bar is a modern burger concept created by chef David Myers that brings together Californian comfort food and global culinary influences. Born in Venice on the iconic Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the concept captures the spirit of laid back coastal dining while elevating familiar classics through quality ingredients and refined execution.

From its origins in California, ADRIFT Burger Bar expanded internationally and was later brought to Expo 2020 Dubai where it introduced millions of visitors to its signature burgers and hospitality experience.

The Brief

The brief was to translate David Myers’ cult burger recipe and Venice Beach restaurant identity into an internationally scalable concept. The challenge was to retain the authenticity of a neighbourhood burger bar while adapting it for a global audience in a high footfall environment.

Working within a licensing agreement, TGP International was tasked with delivering a fully realised version of the concept for Expo 2020. This included interior design development aligned with existing brand guidelines while ensuring the space could operate at scale without losing its character.

The aim was to create a casual dining destination that felt premium yet approachable, rooted in California but relevant to an international audience.

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Concept Development

The concept for ADRIFT Burger Bar is built around the idea of a journey. The original burger recipe developed by David Myers became the anchor for a brand that has travelled with him across cities and countries over the past decade.

Venice Beach acts as the emotional home of the concept, with Abbot Kinney Boulevard representing its cultural and creative backdrop. From this foundation, the menu and identity draw subtle influence from Myers’ global culinary experiences.

The result is a burger bar that celebrates American comfort food while layering in international inspiration. It is familiar at its core yet shaped by travel, experience and evolution.

Design Drivers

The design approach focused on translating the relaxed energy of Venice Beach into a built environment that could function within the scale and intensity of Expo.

Authenticity was central to the spatial narrative. The interior needed to feel grounded in Californian casual dining while still carrying a sense of global relevance. This was achieved through a balance of warm materials, open kitchen visibility and an informal layout that encourages movement and interaction.

The chef led experience was emphasised through clear sightlines into food preparation, reinforcing transparency and craft. Seating was designed to support both quick service and longer social dining moments, reflecting the flexibility of modern casual dining.

The overall atmosphere was intended to feel sunlit, energetic and uncomplicated, mirroring the spirit of Venice Beach while adapting to an international setting.

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Outcome

ADRIFT Burger Bar successfully evolved from a neighbourhood Venice concept into an internationally recognised dining experience through a highly successful pop-up at Expo 2020 Dubai. The activation became one of the standout food concepts at the event, drawing constant queues and earning a reputation as one of the most successful culinary experiences throughout the six-month Expo run.

The project demonstrated how a simple idea rooted in a single signature recipe can scale globally when supported by strong storytelling, disciplined design, and consistent brand execution. Following the close of Expo 2020 Dubai, the pop-up concluded its run, and we continue to proudly represent the ADRIFT Burger Bar brand.

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