Midtown’s Iconic Krispy Kreme store — acquired by Shaquille O’Neal in 2016 — went up in flames early Wednesday morning, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue.
“Atlanta Firefighters are still hitting hot spots this morning at the iconic Krispy Kreme located on Ponce de Leon,” the organization tweeted. “A fast-moving fire gutted the building this morning just before 1 a.m. Two employees were able to escape without injuries.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but flames were spotted starting at 12:30 a.m. while Krispy Kreme’s drive-thru window was open for operation. “We are working with authorities to assess the damage and are uncertain at this point how long the shop will be closed,” the doughnut company posted to its social media. “However, we plan to reopen the shop as soon as possible.”
“I hope no one was hurt and we will bounce back better than ever,” Shaq told 11Alive. The Basketball star took over the store as part of a franchise deal while acting as the doughnut shop’s global spokesperson. The budding restaurateur also operates several local Papa John’s.
Krispy Kreme and its “hot” sign have been a landmark, at 295 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, for 60 years, sitting across the street from Atlanta Eagle — another institution. While the shop is closed, “our Ponce team members will continue to receive full pay while we identify and offer them roles at other area Krispy Kreme shops,” the company wrote.
