Krispy Kreme Fire Deemed Arson: Atlanta Fire & Rescue

ATLANTA — The fire earlier this month at Midtown’s historic Krispy Kreme was set on purpose, authorities said.

In a statement Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department spokesman Capt. Cortez Stafford confirmed that the Feb. 10 blaze at 295 Ponce De Leon Ave., is being investigated as arson.

“The investigators believe the fire was intentionally set on the exterior of the building,” Cortez said. “The fire spread quickly to the interior of the building causing catastrophic damage.”

The fire started after midnight and gutted the building. Two employees on duty at the time were able to escape without harm. The shop had been a mainstay in Midtown — typically open around the clock — since it opened in 1965.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal owns the franchise and told media that the business “will bounce back better than ever.”

Atlanta Fire officials have not identified a suspect but are asking the public’s help to find a man shown on the agency's Twitter page and described as “wearing all black.”

A reward of up to $10,000 is available for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.

Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department asks that anyone with information about the incident call the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates.