Krispy Kreme operator says fire caused only minor damage to store

Richard Lake, chairman of Restaurants Associates Ltd, which operates the Krispy Kreme outlet on Waterloo Road in St Andrew, says there were no injuries, and only minor damage to the establishment following a fire this morning.

Firefighters who responded to the blaze said they got the call about 6:30 a.m., and attributed its cause to equipment malfunction. They also reported that no one was injured in the incident.

A statement from the company said one team member was taken to the hospital as a precaution due to smoke exposure and is receiving full support.

According to Lake, the fire was confined to an oil pan on the doughnut machine.

"There was only minimal damage. The equipment is damaged and we will have to get some replacement parts for that equipment," he offered, responding questions regarding continuation of service in light of the incident.

Restaurants Associates Ltd said the location will remain closed until further notice, as it completes a full assessment and takes the necessary steps to safely resume operations.

"As the Waterloo store also functions as our central doughnut production facility, there will be temporary operational effects across the Krispy Kreme network. All other menu items, including beverages and frozen treats, will remain available," it said.

At the same time, Lake said the Popeyes location and the company's offices, which are also located on the same premises as Krispy Kreme, are still open to the public.

Krispy Kreme is the newest addition to Restaurant Associates Ltd, which has been in business for 40 years.

- Corey Robinson

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