In a departure from his signature no-modification culinary philosophy at Father’s Office, chef Sang Yoon has introduced Tiny’s Burger, a casual fast-food concept located inside South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. Known for pioneering the upscale burger scene in Los Angeles nearly three decades ago, Yoon’s latest venture embraces a more relaxed, approachable style of dining while maintaining his commitment to quality ingredients.

Father’s Office, Yoon’s Santa Monica establishment founded 26 years ago, was instrumental in shaping the American gastro-pub movement. Its renowned Office burger, built from a thick, dry-aged chuck patty layered with Gruyère and Maytag blue cheese, caramelized onions cooked in bacon drippings, and undressed arugula on a long French roll, defined a refined, chef-driven approach to a traditionally casual dish. The restaurant’s strict policy of no substitutions or alterations made the burger an iconic item, illustrating Yoon’s insistence on an exacting culinary vision.

Tiny’s Burger, by contrast, reflects a more inclusive fast-food format inspired by old-school Southern California burger stands such as Tommy’s, Irv’s, and Patra’s—many of which were immigrant-owned neighborhood institutions. Yoon, who was born in Seoul and raised in Los Angeles, spent over a decade in discussions with South Coast Plaza before opening Tiny’s, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a playful cartoon dog mascot and a poppy soundtrack.

Despite the shift in style, Tiny’s maintains Yoon’s hallmark use of the same high-quality 30-day dry-aged chuck beef found in Father’s Office, though the patties at Tiny’s are smaller—approximately four ounces—and are not smashed, preserving tenderness and buttery flavor. The burger features a classic assembly topped with American cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and a generous leaf of green lettuce, all complemented by a tangy umami sauce made from caramelized onions, gochujang, and ssamjang. The bun is a soft, fragrant potato roll crafted by a local bakery.

The menu at Tiny’s remains concise, focusing on burgers, hot dogs, and salt-and-vinegar tater tots, which reportedly offer a more balanced seasoning and less oil than elsewhere. One standout offering is a Japanese-style hot dog topped with Kewpie mayonnaise, sweet soy sauce, furikake seasoning, and bonito flakes, reflecting Yoon’s interest in integrating diverse cultural flavors.

The establishment occupies a space beyond typical fast-food counters, with a small retail area selling imported snacks, rare sweets from Japan and South Korea, and specialty items like duck fat popcorn from San Francisco’s China Live. Customers include shoppers, local workers, teenagers, and families, demonstrating the broad appeal of Tiny’s straightforward yet flavorful fare.

While Father’s Office maintained strict rules against customizing orders, Tiny’s embraces flexibility, evident in a visible modification code sheet posted in the kitchen area. The relaxed ordering system reflects the shift toward casual dining without sacrificing careful ingredient selection and preparation.

Tiny’s Burger is located at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street, Suite 1000, Costa Mesa. The restaurant’s approach exemplifies a trend among established chefs who are increasingly turning to accessible, fast-casual concepts that balance culinary craft with everyday dining convenience.