After Arson in 2021, Shaquille O’Neal Confirms Plans of Rebuilding $1.75 Billion Worth Franchise: “What the Hell You Waiting On?”

In 2021, a Krispy Kreme branch owned by Shaquille O’Neal in Atlanta was on fire. The news cycles reported that no one was hurt and the fire department was on the scene immediately. Supposedly, 35 firefighters spent the night attempting to tame the flames. The store was completely damaged and ruined. After a thorough investigation, the fire department stated that it was an act of arson. Shaq later took to Instagram and claimed that his branch would be back stronger. Almost two years later, the Big Diesel has an update for fans.

The four-time NBA champion bought this franchise in Atlanta in 2016. The franchise is termed to be historic for several reasons. One, this branch on Ponce de Leon Avenue was one of the first stores Krispy Kreme set up outside their headquarters in Tennessee and North Carolina. Additionally, after Martin Luther King Jr’s funeral, the franchise, as reported by People, “fed mourners by donating 150 dozen donuts to Atlanta churches”. 

So for citizens to see this iconic landmark dismantle under fire was undoubtedly heart-wrenching. But Shaq is a man of his word and is seemingly not far from fulfilling his promise of rebuilding the historic franchise.

An update on the historic franchise

On ‘Inside the NBA’, a tweet was displayed that spoke about how Charles Barkley would react after witnessing “a Krispy Kreme Hot Doughnut sign light up”. As the rest of the crew including Shaq broke the expression down, Barkley stated that when the hot sign is on, it is difficult to resist the urge of buying a donut.

Read More: Despite Brother Like Relationship, Shaquille O’Neal Tears Into Charles Barkley: “If You Don’t Know, Then You Shouldn’t Be Speaking”

At this very moment, Barkley remembered that Shaq owned a branch that went down in a fire. Chuck then asked his co-host if he was working towards rebuilding the branch. When the Big Aristotle revealed that the rebuilding was on the way, Barkley said, “What the hell are you waiting on”?

Barkley had a question that lingered in the minds of many. Shaq claimed that he was waiting on the permits that had to be given by the state and other departments. Chuck offered to speak to the mayor and get on his back because “we need that Krispy Kreme”.  

Shaquille O’Neal, the spokesperson for Krispie Kreme

When Shaq bought the Krispy Kreme branch, he also became the company’s spokesperson. For him, the donut brand suited the message of his endeavors perfectly. The three-time MVP is all about making people happy. He realized that one of the best ways to do this was through a box of donuts.

In a statement from 2016, he said, “Krispy Kreme prides itself on spreading joy and supporting local communities, and that’s a cause that I am thrilled to be a part of”.

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Are you excited to see the historic branch come back to life? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.