Fire Engulfs Iconic Midtown Krispy Kreme Overnight

Atlanta Fire Rescue said Wednesday the flames 'gutted' the 60-year-old doughnut shop

This post is an update of: Shaq Just Bought The Krispy Kreme on Ponce

Photo: Atlanta Fire Rescue
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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.

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“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.

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak is the Founder of What Now Media Group, Inc. Check out our publications in your city: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa.

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2 Comments

    1. This is sad but maybe an opportunity? There are 360 Krispy Kreme’s in the US and Krispy Kreme originated in Atlanta. Knowing this is owned by the one and only Shaq in a staple location could be an interactive opportunity!

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