Photo Archive

Welcome to the Cooper Do-nuts photo archive — a visual time capsule of resistance, resilience, and community in the heart of Los Angeles.

The Faces, Places, and Moments That Built a Movement

From the humble beginnings of Evans Cafeteria in the 1930s to the vibrant safe haven that Cooper Do-nuts became for LGBTQ+ folks, working-class patrons, artists, and outsiders, these images tell the story of what it meant to belong — in a city that didn’t always make space for everyone.

Each image is more than a memory — it’s part of a legacy. One built on defiance, donuts, and the radical act of welcoming everyone.

Jack Evans Sr., Founder of Cooper Do-nuts

Dick Evans, Vice President of Cooper Do-nuts

Richard Evans, Manager at Cooper Do-nuts

Jack Evans Jr., Manager at Cooper Do-nuts

Kent Snasler, Auditor at Cooper Do-nuts.

The original Evans Cafeteria located at 213 S Main St.

Orville and Roy making Cooper Do-nuts.

Peter Gregg prepping Cooper Do-nuts machine.

Richard Evans icing Cooper Do-nuts.

Employee filling boxes of Cooper Do-nuts.

Employee loading up Cooper Do-nuts delivery truck.

Jack Evans Jr delivering Cooper Do-nuts.

Jack Evans Jr delivering Cooper Do-nuts to a school.

Cooper Do-nuts location at 1119 Fairfax in Los Angeles.

Cooper Do-nuts location at 1119 Fairfax in Los Angeles.

Cooper Do-nuts location at 3112 Pico in Los Angeles.

Cooper Do-nuts location at 4464 Sunset in Los Angeles.

Cooper Do-nuts location at 4464 Sunset in Los Angeles.

Cooper Do-nuts location at 4648 Santa Monica in Los Angeles.

A Cooper Do-nuts location in Stockton.

A Cooper Do-nuts sign at a location in Stockton.

Cooper Do-nuts Mug

Hat that Cooper Do-nuts staff wore while working.

Bag that Cooper Do-nuts were sold in.

The new Cooper Do-nuts / Nancy Valverde Square sign, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles City Hall.

Tony Hoover delivering a speech at the unveiling of the Cooper Do-Nuts / Nancy Valverde Square in Los Angeles, CA.

The unveiling of the Cooper Do-Nuts / Nancy Valverde Square in Los Angeles, CA.

The unveiling of the Cooper Do-Nuts / Nancy Valverde Square in Los Angeles, CA.

Audience members listen attentively during the celebratory speeches at the unveiling of Cooper Do-nuts / Nancy Valverde Square in Los Angeles, CA.

A sketch of the prefabricated design that became the iconic Cooper Do-nuts storefront.

Original floor plan for the Cooper Do-nuts pre-fabs.