“There were some homeless people,” Despite Krispy Kreme store burning down, Shaquille O’Neal reveals REAL reason why he didn’t press charges

Shaquille O'Neal bought the historic Krispy Kreme outlet back in 2016.

“There were some homeless people,” Despite Krispy Kreme store burning down, Shaquille O’Neal reveals REAL reason why he didn’t press charges

Shaquille O’Neal owns a Krispy Kreme outlet (via Open Source/X)

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal‘s historic Krispy Kreme store has faced the unfortunate fate of being burnt down on two occasions. The building, a landmark in Atlanta, Georgia for over 60 years, had been acquired by the doughnut-loving NBA legend in 2016.

Rebounding from the setbacks, the historic store fulfilled its promise and reopened on October 10, 2023. In 2021, two separate fires, initially ruled as arson, inflicted significant damage on the Ponce Krispy Kreme. Six months later, another fire exacerbated the harm, ultimately prompting the decision to demolish the building. The owner’s commitment to bouncing back stronger materialized with the reopening of the store.

YouTube video

Shaq was asked why he did not press charges when the incident was believed to be an arson, on the Full Send podcast. He responded:

FS Video
The first one was believed to be arson. The second one was to be believed to be some homeless people. My thing is I'm not gonna be putting no charges on the homeless people. so cause the second one like we went over there and we found some homeless people. They just trying to stay warm.

The Krispy Kreme is known for supplying 150 dozen doughnuts to church members during the funeral of the late Martin King Jnr. in 1968. It is safe to say that Shaq has ensured that the tradition is carried over, with his kind act of not pressing charges against the albeit homeless perpetrators.

YouTube video

Shaquille O’Neal spent $1,400,000 to restore Krispy Kreme back to its glory

Shaquille O’Neal was reported to have spent over $1.4 million to rebuild the famous doughnut store after it was burnt down by a suspected arsonist. With the original design replicated with modern architectural designs, the new building added to the original’s features.

Shaquille O'Neal during Kove Braynt's NBA memorial
Shaquille O’Neal’s Krispy Kreme store. (Via Eater)

While the iconic taste remains unchanged, the donut shop underwent a complete transformation with a fresh new look. Krispy Kreme officials revealed that the updated design gave the shop a more modern aesthetic, featuring a custom mural. Additionally, the heritage side of the shop received a revamped appearance, combining a blend of tradition and contemporary style.

The official said in a press conference:

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.

Having opened over 60 years ago in 1965, the historic location shares its inaugural year with Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. It stands as one of the initial Krispy Kreme establishments established outside the young company’s primary bases of operation in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Nashville.

In case you missed it: