KRISPY KREME® Sets Oct. 10 as Grand Opening for New Shop at Historic Ponce de Leon Location in Atlanta

October 02, 2023 at 10:30 AM EDT

New ‘Shaq’s Shop’ celebrates local community and honors original shop that was destroyed by arson in 2021

Midtown Atlanta residents and visitors rejoice! Krispy Kreme and Shaquille O’Neal today announced Oct. 10 as the grand opening of their all-new 4,000-square-foot shop on the site of the brand’s historic Ponce de Leon location.

Immediately after the original shop was destroyed by arson in 2021, O’Neal proclaimed, “We’ll bounce back better than ever.”

“We made a promise to the Ponce community and all of Atlanta and we’re delivering on it,” said Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme Global Chief Brand Officer. “Everyone has been so supportive during our bounce-back process and we’re thrilled to turn on the Hot Light. Our longstanding presence in Ponce is core to the community. Beginning Oct. 10, delicious, fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts and all the happiness that comes with enjoying and sharing them will be back.”

The Hot Light theater shop employs more than 70 Krispy Kreme team members who will serve the brand’s classic menu, including hot Original Glazed® doughnuts fresh off the line, as well as limited-time offerings. Guests can purchase doughnuts in-shop, via drive-thru or by ordering doughnuts online or through the Krispy Kreme app for pick-up or delivery. The shop will be open seven days a week: Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The new shop strikes a sweet balance between modernization and honoring its historical significance, including a custom mural and plaque, and a refurbishment of the iconic Krispy Kreme heritage sign that dates back to the 1960s. The shop’s design allows for an abundance of natural light, a cheery and bright dining room, an enhanced doughnut theater experience, and a drive-thru.

Throughout grand opening week, Krispy Kreme will randomly award 10 dozen lucky guests a Celebration Ticket worth a dozen free Original Glazed doughnuts every month for a year.

About Krispy Kreme

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in over 30 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing Ecommerce and delivery business with nearly 13,000 fresh points of access. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one of its many social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme and www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme.

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