Krispy Kreme breaks ground on location with modern, historical balance
Built with help from Shaquille O’Neal, the shop replaces one burned down two years ago.
Courtesy of Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme and its partner, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, have announced that construction of an all-new shop on the site of its historic Ponce de Leon location in Atlanta is underway, nearly two years after the original shop built nearly six decades ago was destroyed by arson Feb. 10, 2021.
Midtown Atlanta residents and visitors can look forward to the new 4,000-square-foot shop opening this summer. 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.
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. The shop’s design allows for an abundance of natural light, a cheery and bright 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,” says Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme global chief brand officer. “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.”
“We’re bouncing back better than I even imagined,” O’Neal says. “I can’t wait to turn on the Hot Light. It’s gonna light up the whole neighborhood. Get ready, Ponce!”
The grand opening of the Ponce de Leon shop is slated for this summer; more information will be released later this year.
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