Bob’s Donuts: An End, a New Beginning on Polk Street
After seven decades as a beloved 24-hour institution, Bob’s Donuts will close its original Polk Street location on November 23, 2025. This bittersweet farewell marks the end of an era for San Francisco’s late-night cravings, but a new, larger location just down the street ensures the legendary donuts will continue to be a local staple.
End of an Icon: 70 Years on Polk Street
For 70 years, the tiny storefront at 1621 Polk Street served up apple fritters, glazed donuts, and a unique slice of San Francisco life around the clock. From its inception in 1953 by Robert N. Nolt, Bob’s became a gathering point for everyone from drag queens and beat cops to tourists and locals seeking a post-bar sugar fix. The closure, set for November 23, is due to the Ahn family’s inability to reach a lease renewal agreement with their landlord after decades of operation.
An Immigrant Family’s Enduring Legacy
The heart of Bob’s Donuts has been the Ahn family, who have owned the shop since 1977. Korean immigrant Elinor Ahn transformed the business through hard work and perseverance. Following her passing in 2001, her son Donald and his wife Aya, a Japanese immigrant, took the reins. Aya embraced the “shokunin” spirit—a Japanese devotion to one’s craft and the pursuit of excellence—revitalizing the struggling business and cementing Bob’s place in the city’s culinary landscape. This deep family commitment shaped Bob’s into more than just a donut shop, fostering a true sense of community.
The Lease Battle and Legacy Business Status
The primary catalyst for the original location’s closure was a proposed 150% rent increase during lease negotiations, deemed insurmountable by the Ahn family. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by San Francisco’s small and legacy businesses. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, a vocal advocate for Bob’s, called out commercial landlords who “don’t recognize their inherent value and who don’t want to offer fair leases,” underscoring the broader commercial pressures on historic establishments in neighborhoods like Polk Gulch. Bob’s cultural significance earned it a spot on San Francisco’s Legacy Business Registry, recognizing its contribution to the Nob Hill neighborhood’s identity.
A Sweet New Beginning Just Down the Block
Fortunately for legions of fans, this isn’t the end of Bob’s Donuts on Polk Street. The Ahn family proactively opened a larger, expanded location at 1720 Polk Street in February 2025, less than 300 feet from the original. This new outpost features more seating, a larger kitchen, additional fryers, and bigger storefront windows to showcase their fresh creations. While initially operating with limited hours, the goal is to restore the 24-hour service that made the original location so iconic.
| Feature | Original 1621 Polk St. | New 1720 Polk St. |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Span | 70 Years (closing Nov 23, 2025) | Opened Feb 2025 |
| Size & Seating | Tiny storefront, limited | Expanded seating, larger kitchen |
| Operating Hours (Current) | 24-hour (until Nov 23) | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (aiming for 24-hour) |
| Distance from each other | N/A | Less than 300 feet |
San Francisco’s Fading 24-Hour Scene
The closure of the original Bob’s Donuts location on November 23 also underscores a wider trend in San Francisco: the disappearance of 24-hour businesses. The city has seen a decline in round-the-clock operations, including 24 Hour Fitness locations and numerous downtown businesses impacted by reduced foot traffic. For a time, Bob’s was one of the few truly late-night mainstays left, making its transition all the more poignant for night owls and early risers alike.
More Than Just a Donut Shop
Bob’s Donuts was always about more than just its famous apple fritters or the challenging giant donut. It was a hub where community flourished. The Ahn family shared stories of customers keeping Aya company during quiet overnight shifts, friends helping sweep floors, and neighbors offering support. As Aya Ahn herself stated, “This business is not just about making money. We’re about taking care of each other, taking care of our customers, and contributing to the other Polk Street small businesses.” This philosophy cemented its role in the fabric of Nob Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the original Bob’s Donuts location closing?
The original location at 1621 Polk Street will close its doors on November 23, 2025. - Where is the new Bob’s Donuts located?
The new, larger Bob’s Donuts is located just down the street at 1720 Polk Street, which opened in February 2025. - Why did the original location close?
The closure is primarily due to a lease dispute with the landlord, including a proposed 150% rent increase that the Ahn family deemed unsustainable. - Will the new location be open 24 hours?
While the new location currently operates with limited hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the Ahn family aims to restore 24-hour operation, mirroring the iconic service of the original shop. - Does Bob’s Donuts have other locations?
Yes, in addition to the new Polk Street location, Bob’s Donuts also has outposts at 601 Baker Street in San Francisco’s NoPa neighborhood and in Mill Valley.
While saying goodbye to an iconic San Francisco landmark is tough, the new Bob’s Donuts on Polk Street ensures that this beloved family business and its legendary donuts will continue to be a vibrant part of our community. Be sure to visit the new spot and support this resilient local staple.
Bobs Donuts An End A New Beginning On Polk Street
