Krispy Kreme and its partner Shaquille O’Neal Tuesday announced that construction of an all-new shop on the site of its historic Ponce de Leon location is underway, nearly two years after the original shop built nearly six decades ago was destroyed by arson Feb. 10, 2021. Shaq acquired the shop before it burned down not once but twice.
“We’re bouncing back better than I even imagined,” O’Neal said in a prepared statement. “I can’t wait to turn on the Hot Light. It’s gonna light up the whole neighborhood. Get ready, Ponce!”
The new 4,000 square-foot shop — estimated to cost $1,400,000 to build from the ground up — is slated to open in summer 2023.
The Hot Light shop will serve Krispy Kreme’s classic menu, including hot Original Glazed doughnuts fresh off the line, as well as limited time offerings for dine-in, pickup and via drive‑thru and for delivery, according to Tuesday’s announcement.
The shop also will pay homage to the brand’s history serving the Atlanta community as well as the original shop, including an interior custom mural and plaque, and a refurbishing of the iconic Krispy Kreme heritage sign that dates to the 1960s.
“We’ve struck a balance of modernization and honoring the historical significance of our Ponce shop’s location,” Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme Global Chief Brand Officer, said. “We think our fans are going to love it. The community has shown us so much support and patience as we designed the new shop. We can’t wait to be back with our guests, sharing joy and serving delicious, fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts.”
