*Shaquille O’Neal revealed in a 2024 interview that his Krispy Kreme location in Atlanta burned down twice in 2021.
The first fire, in February of that year, was determined to be arson. Just months later, another blaze broke out, this time believed to have been started by homeless individuals seeking warmth. Despite the costly damage, Shaq refused to seek legal action.
“The first one was believed to be arson. The second one was believed to be some homeless people… My thing is, I’m not gonna be putting charges on homeless people. They were just trying to stay warm,” he said on the Full Send podcast last year.
Rather than focusing on the financial loss, he remained committed to restoring the historic location. By October 2023, Shaq’s Krispy Kreme was back in business. What Now Atlanta reported that rebuilding costs were estimated at $1.4 million, with the redesigned 4,000-square-foot space featuring modern updates while preserving its classic charm.
O’Neal has built a name for himself beyond basketball, turning his attention to business with a diverse portfolio of investments in restaurants, endorsements, and major brands like Five Guys, Papa John’s, and Muscle Milk.
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@fullsendpodcast Shaq on having his Krispy Kreme burned down and why he didn’t press charges. #fyp #druski #shaq #nba #atlanta #fullsend #nelk #krispykreme ♬ original sound – FULL SEND Podcast
Back in 2022, O’Neal revealed that he encourages his sons to build their own wealth rather than rely on him for handouts.
“There is a rule: education. I don’t care if they play basketball or not. I would like one of my kids to be a doctor, hedge fund owner, pharmacist, lawyer, business owner, someone to take over my business. But I tell them that I am not going to give it to them. They have to earn it,” Shaq explained in an interview with the New York Post at the time.
“I tell them all the time, ‘We’re not rich, I’m rich.’ You have to have a bachelor’s degree and then if you want to invest in one of your companies, you must present it to me. I am not going to give you anything,” he added.
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