Shaq’s historic Atlanta Krispy Kreme damaged by raging fire

Firefighters work at the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts store in Atlanta on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. The historic store was engulfed in flames early Wednesday. The store owned by Basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O'Neal was significantly damaged. (AP Photo/Ron Harris) Firefighters work at the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts store in Atlanta on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. The historic store was engulfed in flames early Wednesday. The store owned by Basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O'Neal was significantly damaged. (AP Photo/Ron Harris)

By Associated Press February 11, 2021 2 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – A historic Krispy Kreme Doughnuts store in Atlanta owned by basketball star Shaquille O’Neal that dates back to the mid-1960s was engulfed in flames early Wednesday, heavily damaging the structure.

Atlanta fire crews responded to the iconic restaurant on Ponce de Leon Avenue shortly after midnight, news outlets reported. Video posted on social media showed raging flames.

The Midtown store opened in 1965 and O’Neal bought it in 2016, news outlets reported.

“I hope no one was hurt and we will bounce back better than ever,” O’Neal said in a statement.

“We and our shop partner, Shaquille O’Neal, are extremely thankful that no one was injured and for the rapid response and outstanding work of the local fire and police departments,” said Jack Farmer, who represents Krispy Kreme.