Remember Corky’s. This restaurant once stood here in Sherman Oaks. Corky’s was more than just a diner. It was a Googie architecture icon. Armet and Davis designed it in 1958.
Corky’s began as Stanley Burke’s Coffee Shop. It was on Van Nuys Boulevard. In the early 1960s, it transformed into Corky’s. Corky’s then became a 24/7 establishment.
Imagine this place bustling at all hours. Billy Joel even played piano at Corky’s in the 1970s. For 25 years, Corky’s was a local staple.
Later, it became the Lamplighter. In 2010, it served as a filming location. It was used in “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” The restaurant was eventually restored and reopened as Corky’s.
But Corky’s closed for good on December 14, 2019. A lease dispute forced its closure. There was community support to save Corky’s. A petition sought to declare it a historic landmark.
Corky’s management lamented landlords’ lack of appreciation. They felt landlords overlooked unique style buildings. They also ignored the history of American family establishments.
The interior of Corky’s has since been demolished. This happened around January 13, 2025. However, the roof and pole sign remained for a while. The site is being converted into a Chick-Fil-A restaurant.
Corky’s was more than bricks and mortar. It was a place where customers celebrated marriages. They watched their children grow. Corky’s employed over 40 staff members. They depended on Corky’s for their families.
Though gone, Corky’s Googie style is worth remembering. It represents a slice of Los Angeles history. It was designed by Armet and Davis. They also designed Norms, Pann’s Coffee Shop and the LAX Theme Building. Corky’s retro vibes remain a fond memory.