The location of the beloved Krispy Kreme sign after its removal, marking the end of an iconic era.
The beloved Krispy Kreme sign in downtown Spartanburg has been removed after decades of service, following damage from Hurricane Helene. This tough decision made by owner Glenn Reese marks the end of an era for many residents who cherished the sign as a community landmark. Despite offers to keep it, safety concerns led to the sign’s demolition, highlighting the nostalgic memories associated with the iconic doughnut shop.
The iconic Krispy Kreme sign that has graced downtown Spartanburg for decades has been taken down, leaving a bittersweet feeling among residents. Originally installed in 1969 at the Church Street doughnut shop founded by Wilford Reese, the sign has long been a beloved landmark and a symbol of late-night sweet cravings.
After Hurricane Helene caused some serious damage, Glenn Reese, the current owner and son of the original founder, made the difficult decision to demolish the aging sign. Safety was a major concern, especially since it stood at a busy intersection. The risk of the damaged sign becoming a public safety hazard couldn’t be ignored, and there were worries that it might fall unexpectedly.
Despite the emotional weight of this decision, the situation was clear: the sign could no longer stay standing. The nostalgic landmark has remained on the property even after the shop’s closure in 2005 when a brand-new location opened across the street. Its presence, a reminder of simpler days, had become a liability.
Interestingly, Reese had received multiple offers to sell the sign, but complications due to Krispy Kreme’s corporate policies around the brand made these plans impossible. Ultimately, Reese decided that the safest course of action was to demolish the structure entirely, a choice that he made independently and not due to any pressure from the city.
On the same day, workers also took down a smaller sign from the rooftop of the old building. This was indeed a day of change for the site, marking an end to an era that many in the community still remember fondly.
The shop’s location became a hotspot for nighttime foot traffic over the years, with lines of hungry patrons eagerly waiting for their fix of fresh doughnuts. Such ambiance and commonality gave the old Krispy Kreme an air of community cherished by many locals.
Interestingly, the old sign had endured minor vehicle strikes and numerous weather conditions over the years but had somehow escaped major damage—until Hurricane Helene changed that. With the sign now gone, Reese has no intentions of restoring or reinstalling the old landmark, mainly because the costs involved would be quite high.
Looking to the future, Reese hopes to either lease or sell the old Krispy Kreme property, though there are no solid plans in place just yet. The removal of the sign marks the end of an era, a poignant reminder of a beloved time and place in Spartanburg’s rich cultural tapestry.
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