Photos by Rink
San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink, who is a longtime fan of Bob’s Donuts, was at the popular stop for sweet treats on Friday, February 21, for the “soft opening” of the legendary shop’s new location at 1720 Polk Street.
Accompanied by her daughter Aya, owner Rebekah Ahn, whose family has owned and operated the shop since 1977, welcomed guests to the new location. The event included free donut samples, tote bag giveaways, and a donut-eating challenge.
Since 1960, the shop had been located in the 1600 block of Polk Street. At its new location, Bob’s Donuts has a layout that it similar to the original, continuing the longstanding tradition of a front kitchen. Customers can watch as staff members create their favorite donut varieties. The large front display window will also be continued at the new spot.
Rink reports that the single most popular variety offered at Bob’s Donuts—although perhaps not the most visually attractive one—is the apple fritter. This and other donuts have been enjoyed by the likes of Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones, and many other LGBTQ+ community leaders past and present. A famous photo taken by Rink in the 1970s captured Milk treating Jones to a donut for his birthday, evidencing how important this welcoming business has been for decades.
Published on February 27, 2025
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