Demolition Permit Filed for Twice Burned Krispy Kreme Shop Owned By Shaq

A second fire at the Ponce De Leon Krispy Kreme seems to have sealed the fate for this iconic structure.
Photo: Atlanta Fire and Rescue

The iconic Ponce De Leon Ave Krispy Kreme location in the city’s Old Fourth Ward and owned by none other than NBA basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) is to be demolished after catching fire yet again earlier this month. The nearly 70 year-old donut shop was first gutted on February 10th, 2021 after a fire deemed to be arson tore through the building. After the first fire, Shaq reportedly told 11Alive “I hope no one was hurt and we will bounce back better than ever.”

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The building had been closed and fenced off since the February incident but plans to renovate the structure seemed to be in the works until a second fire on July 8th, 2021 again tore through the building, this time damaging the roof, according to Atlanta Fire and Rescue. Authorities have yet to conclude whether the 2nd fire was also caused by arson. It would seem the latest blaze has damaged the structure beyond repair as it is now slated to be demolished, as per a demolition permit application filed on Friday, July 23rd 2021. The permit application expects the demolition to cost roughly $50,000.

It is unclear what the plans are for the site after the demolition, as no building plans have been filed with the City for a replacement. As reported by What Now Atlanta in 2016, Shaquille O’Neal bought the Iconic Krispy Kreme and became the brand’s “Global Spokesperson” to “help people find their happy place.” It is grimly ironic that this location, known for its “Hot Now” sign, met with such a demise. Georgia Arson Control is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification of the suspect in the February arson. People with information can call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.

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Photo: Krispy Kreme

Daniel Alvarado

Daniel Alvarado

Daniel Alvarado is an AICP Certified Urban Planner, transportation advocate, researcher and writer originally from San Antonio, Texas. He received his Master's Degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin, where his research focused on the intersection of green infrastructure and transportation. Daniel has been published by Decipher City, Progrss.org, and has contributed to dozens of comprehensive and transportation plans across the country.
Daniel Alvarado

Daniel Alvarado

Daniel Alvarado is an AICP Certified Urban Planner, transportation advocate, researcher and writer originally from San Antonio, Texas. He received his Master's Degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin, where his research focused on the intersection of green infrastructure and transportation. Daniel has been published by Decipher City, Progrss.org, and has contributed to dozens of comprehensive and transportation plans across the country.

3 Responses

  1. Perfect chance for Shaq and his company to design and build a something new that adds to the neighborhood, utilizes the lot even better, and be even more profitable.

  2. As a boy, I joined Mr. Manahan’s “hayride” down to the First Baptist Church for their annual “revival.” Every night during that week, on the way home, he stopped the truck at the Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon. I always had money to buy a dozen glazed. Long before we got home, all 12 would be gone. There were probably a couple of dozen kids in the back of that hay-filled flat bed truck. We didn’t share. You had no money to buy for yourself, you went without. Never happened with me. Priceless memory. You can’t burn down a priceless memory. — PDM

  3. Great opportunity for them to introduce a twice burnt donut when they reopen. Maybe a contest to get the community involved.

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