Krispy Kreme Rebuilding at Atlanta Site Leveled by Arson

Krispy Kreme (Charlotte, N.C.) and its partner, Shaquille O’Neal, announced that construction is underway on an all-new doughnut shop on the site of its former Ponce de Leon location in Atlanta. The new store is being built where the original shop stood for nearly six decades before being destroyed by arson in 2021.

The new, 4000-square-foot Hot Light Shop is slated to open this summer. It will offer dine-in, counter pickup and drive-through service.

The shop will pay homage to the brand’s history in the Atlanta community as well as the original shop, including an interior custom mural and plaque, and a refurbishing of a Krispy Kreme heritage sign that dates to the 1960s. The shop’s design also features abundant natural light in the dining room and an enhanced “doughnut theater” experience.

“We’ve struck a balance of modernization and honoring the historical significance of our Ponce shop’s location. We think our fans are going to love it,” Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme Global Chief Brand Officer, said in a news release. “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.”

Says O’Neal, a former NBA great: “We’re bouncing back better than I even imagined. I can’t wait to turn on the Hot Light. It’s gonna light up the whole neighborhood. Get ready, Ponce!”