Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber)

Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, was an influential American restaurateur credited with creating the tiki bar movement. In the 1930s and 1940s, he popularized exotic-themed bars serving inventive cocktails like the Zombie and Mai Tai, blending Caribbean, Asian, and South Pacific influences. His establishments offered a sense of escapism and adventure, shaping tropical cocktail culture in the United States. Beach’s innovative approach to drink presentation and ambiance laid the groundwork for the modern tiki bar trend, making him a pivotal figure in mid-20th-century American hospitality and beverage history.