The fire department allegedly set up on the outside of the building and quickly spread inside, causing catastrophic damage, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department said in a statement Friday.
Two workers were inside the building when the fire broke out just after midnight on February 10, but they were able to get out safely and 911. The dining room was closed, and there were no customers inside.
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $ 10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.
“We are saddened by this news, but remain grateful that no one was injured,” Krispy Kreme said in a statement. “We continue to work with the authorities to assess the damage, and at this stage we are uncertain about how long the store will be closed. But as said earlier, we are determined to be back better and sweeter than ever. ! “
Investigators released photos of a suspect, who they said was a man in black clothes.
The Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Avenue has been a beloved landmark in Midtown Atlanta for decades and its glowing red sign has been a beacon for hungry people at all times of the day and night.