Stanley Burke’s coffeeshop was designed in 1958 by famous architects Armet & Davis during the height of Googie Architecture. The interior was designed by Helen Fong, a designer and architect working at Armet & Davis who brought a Googie flair to the furnishings. In the wake of the war, this style of architecture was futuristic, and modern, meant to draw attention through its dramatic gestures and bold colors. Stanley Burke’s became a beloved gathering place for a people eager to reconnect, redefine and rebuild their community.
Less than a decade later, Corky’s Restaurant took residence at 5043 Van Nuys Blvd, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the local scene. Open 24 hours a day, it wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a gathering spot, a haven for car enthusiasts during late-night cruising sessions. Over the years, Corky’s expanded its presence, adding a banquet room for events and a lounge/nightclub dubbed “The Cork,” where locals could unwind in a different kind of atmosphere. Legend has it that, long before superstardom, Billy Joel himself played the piano at Corky’s in the early 1970s.
A transformation took place again in 2010, when a remodel sparked a revival of its original name. Yet, like so many institutions weathering the tides of time, Corky’s met an untimely end in 2019. Amidst the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, the restaurant—after six decades of service—was forced to close its doors. Even so, Corky’s remained a beloved symbol, both architecturally and culturally, of a time and place that would forever remain in the memories of the community.
