Don the Beachcomber

Don the Beachcomber was a pioneering tiki bar and restaurant that opened in 1933 in Hollywood, California, created by Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, who later changed his name to Donn Beach. The establishment popularized tropical cocktails and a unique ambience inspired by South Pacific themes, featuring bamboo decor, dim lighting, and exotic music. Don the Beachcomber is credited with igniting the tiki culture in America, influencing countless bar and restaurant concepts. Its inventive cocktails, including the Zombie and Navy Grog, became iconic, contributing to a broader appreciation for Polynesian-inspired cuisine and drink during the mid-20th century.