David Myers was one of Expo 2020’s biggest winners when his burger pop-up Adrift Burger Bar, proved so popular that it sold around 115,000 burgers over six months.
Following the positive reception in the region, the Gypsy Chef, as he is known due to his highly nomadic life, has decided on a permanent home for his burger brand.
Adrift Burger Bar is opening its first permanent outlet in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall. Myers said the location was chosen due to the enthusiasm for the brand shown by residents during Expo 2020.
“Interestingly, despite Expo 2020 Dubai being an international event, over 70 percent of our customers were in fact local residents, many of them from Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Myers added that Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene has grown to become one of the most dynamic in the world, and that the Yas Island location offers the right mix of culture, entertainment and sunshine for the brand to flourish.
“The location we’ve chosen is at Yas Mall near the Ferrari World entrance, nestled between some great sports and lifestyle brands, and concept stores. I love that we are right in the thick of all the incredible entertainment offerings available throughout Yas Island,” he said.
The same designer and creative director who worked on the original pop-up in Venice Beach, Danny Gonzales, was involved in the design of the new space.
Guests will recognise the signature black and white look of the brand, with elements of Japanese shou sugi ban textures and a mural inspired by Venice Beach and Tokyo, by local artist Wesal al Ali. Myers also revealed a new element for the Abu Dhabi outlet in the form of a custom-designed surfboard inspired by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
