Intelligentsia Coffee: A Retro-Modern Drive-Thru in Santa Monica
- Location: Santa Monica, CA
- Architect: Magic Architecture
The Curation
Intelligentsia Coffee’s first-ever drive-thru location is a bold reimagining of a historic Santa Monica landmark. Set within a restored 1950s A-frame structure (formerly a Wienerschnitzel), the space features a vibrant, retro-inspired motif that celebrates the "California spirit" of convenience and high design.
Our products were curated to bring this "sunny patio oasis" to life. In a high-traffic environment where the experience transitions from a streamlined drive-thru lane to a spacious outdoor patio, our furniture provides a "vibrant palette" that matches Intelligentsia’s colorful new motif. The Pink Betty Chairs and Terracotta Tripod Stools offer a playful, geometric contrast to the sharp lines of the A-frame, while the White Rachel Stools maintain an "airy vibe" that allows the architectural history of the building to remain the focal point.
The Synergy
The synergy between Bend Goods and Intelligentsia is rooted in a shared "design ambition" to reinvent classic California experiences. Intelligentsia has taken a "third-wave" approach to the traditional drive-thru, just as Bend Goods has taken a 21st-century approach to the "machine age" beauty of wire furniture.
Bend was an ideal use case for this project because the A-frame structure requires furniture that functions as functional sculpture. The "asymmetric triangular patterns" of the Rachel and Betty lines echo the structural rigor of the building’s pitched roof. Our high-performance powder coating is "built like a buffalo," ensuring the furniture can withstand the coastal Santa Monica air and heavy daily use, while its visual lightness ensures the patio feels voluminous and open.
The Legacy
The 3010 Pico Blvd location is a "modern design icon" in the making, preserving a rare freestanding drive-thru building that has been part of the neighborhood’s fabric for decades. The project was realized by Magic Architecture, a firm known for "bringing the past to the present" through thoughtful reimagining of historic sites.
Our chairs and stools have been part of this "innovative coffeebar" since its grand opening in 2026, standing as a testament to the longevity and "chromatic range" of our materials. By integrating Bend Goods into this historic A-frame, Intelligentsia continues a legacy of design excellence, proving that "wire, done right," is the perfect medium for a space that is both a community hangout and a high-speed coffee destination.
Products Used
Pink Betty Chairs: Adding a bold, graphic punch and "chromatic energy" to the outdoor patio.
Terracotta Tripod Stools: Providing a warm, earthy geometric accent that complements the colorful motif.
White Rachel Stools: Utilized for their "structural elegance" and ability to provide a light, airy seating solution in a historic setting.
