ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An iconic restaurant on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta owned by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal will be rebuilt, corporate officials announced Tuesday.
The Krispy Kreme store was twice damaged by fire and had to be demolished a couple of years ago. The first fire was in February 2021 and the second was just five months later in July 2021.
After the fires, O’Neal said, “We will bounce back better than ever.”
In a news release, company officials said, “The bounce has begun.”
“Get ready, Ponce!” says Shaquille O,Neal, one of the owners of the iconic Krispy Kreme on Ponce. It will reopen this summer. @ATLNewsFirst pic.twitter.com/kNuarrVda3
— Rebekka Schramm (@Rebekka_Schramm) January 24, 2023
The company, whose headquarters is in Charlotte, N.C., sent Atlanta News First some renderings showing what the new store will look like. It will be called “Shaq’s Shop,” and it will pay homage to the original Krispy Kreme in Atlanta while also featuring some new amenities.
Shaq said in a press release that he can’t wait to turn on the Hot Light where the fresh donuts roll off the line. He said, “It’s gonna light up the whole neighborhood. Get ready, Ponce!”
Atlanta News First was at the property early Tuesday morning and already noticed some construction materials on site.
Midtown Atlanta residents and visitors can look forward to the new 4,000-square-foot shop opening this summer.
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