Gorgeous Googie Diner Corky’s Closes Up Shop After 61 Years

After six decades, Sherman Oaks’ Corky’s and adjacent Cork Lounge will close this Sunday, December 15. This Googie architecture-style diner and popular filming location announced its closing date on Facebook, as owners asked customers to approach city leaders to designate Corky’s as a Los Angeles landmark.

Corky’s is an all-day fixture on Van Nuys Boulevard, and its current owners took over in 1980. Originally designed by innovative LA architects Armet and Davis, Corky’s originally opened as Stanley Burke’s Coffee Shop in 1958. The architecture firm was central to the building style still seen throughout Los Angeles, including Simply Wholesome. The Sherman Oaks Patch reports that the current name change occurred in the early 1960s.

In the 1980s, Corky’s underwent another name change to the Lamplighter. This remained until a 2010 remodel, where original features were restored along with a prominent new Corky’s sign.

If Corky’s looks familiar, that’s because the diner was the production site of countless commercials, television shows and movies, including 2010’s “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” and “Happy Death Day.” Another longstanding restaurant departed the San Fernando Valley two years ago. DuPar’s Studio City location opened in 1948, and closed in early 2018 to make room for another Sephora.

Curbed LA reports that locals are concerned about demolition, but says there are no plans or demolition permits on file the city. Customers are circulating a Change.org petition to help raise awareness about the closure.

Corky’s. 5043 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA

• This 33-Year-Old Restaurant Is a Community Pillar in Fast-Changing Windsor Hills [ELA]
• Classic Valley Diner Du-Par’s Will Depart Studio City on January 1 [ELA]