Restaurant Associated Limited (RAL), owners of the Krispy Kreme franchise in Jamaica, has indefinitely closed its flagship Waterloo Road outlet in St Andrew after a mid-week fire razed a section of the store last Friday (May 30).

One worker was hospitalised due to smoke exposure and is receiving management’s “full support”.

The company, in a statement, advised that the adjoining Popeyes fast-service outlet was not affected and will continue normal operations.

“We are incredibly thankful no one was injured and proud of the way our team members handled this situation. Our team is working with the local fire department to assess this matter and will provide additional details as they become available,” the company added.

“The Waterloo location will remain closed until further notice, as we complete a full assessment and take the necessary steps to safely resume operations.”

RAL, which otherwise manages the local Burger King, Little Caesar’s, Popeyes and Dessert Bar franchises, further disclosed that as the Waterloo branch functions as its central doughnut production facility, the fire will lead to “temporary operational effects across the Krispy Kreme network”.