There’s no “Hot Now” sign announcing them, but there are doughnuts again at the site of the twice-burned Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Krispy Kreme announced in November it would open a temporary shop on the site, and Tuesday was the day. The pop-up opened at 7 a.m., just in time for the commute to work.
The historic Midtown location, owned by basketball legend and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, was open 24 hours a day and frequently had a line of cars wrapped around the building from the drive-thru window.
Credit: Henri Hollis
Credit: Henri Hollis
The building was demolished in July after two fires within months of each other destroyed the establishment.
The plan is to rebuild in 2022, preserving as much of the original charm as possible, including the large, distinctive sign.
“As we and Shaquille have said since after the first fire, our plan is to rebuild as soon as possible … and be back better and sweeter than ever,” the company said in its July statement. “We know how much the local community loves the shop and that love is absolutely mutual. We pledge to keep the community informed as we embark on the path to turning back on our legendary glazer and Hot Light at Ponce and return to sharing awesome doughnuts and lots of joy there.”
Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC
Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC
The entrance to the temporary Krispy Kreme pop-up is on Argonne Street, where signage directs customers to an ordering area that is set up only for drive-through business. The limited menu includes eight doughnut flavors, including original glazed, which are available as singles, in packs of three and by the dozen. Only cold beverages are being sold from the trailer-like pop-up, so no coffee is available. The temporary store will not take cash; only card payments will be accepted.
A Krispy Kreme employee working Tuesday afternoon said the initial plan for the pop-up was for three months, or until the company breaks ground to rebuild the location. Hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
