After 70 Years, Polk Street Icon Bob’s Donuts Closes Original Shop

It’s the end of an era for San Francisco donut lovers. After 70 years at 1621 Polk St., Bob’s Donuts is closing its original location and moving just down the street to a larger spot at 1720 Polk St. on November 23, 2025.

Bob’s got its start in the 1950s when an entrepreneur named Bob opened a modest donut shop on Polk Street. In the 1970s, Elinor, a single mom and Korean immigrant, bought the shop and ran it while raising two kids. After her sudden passing in 2001, her son Don and his wife Aya, just in their early twenties and raising three young children, took over.

Aya, a Japanese immigrant, ran Bob’s with heart, remembering customers’ names, sharing stories, and treating everyone like a neighbor. Over the years, the shop became more than just donuts. It became a hub for the community where neighbors helped each other and friendships were baked in with every order.

The team at Bob’s says goodbye to the original location with gratitude. “Although this is a bittersweet goodbye, we’re excited to see you at our new store,” they shared.

Where to go now: Head to the new, bigger Bob’s Donuts at 1720 Polk St., just a few blocks away, for the same community vibes and classic donuts you love.

h/t: KTVU