Popular Donut Shop Closes Due to Structural Issues, Ignites Dispute in Shreveport
Shreveport, LA – Dripp Donuts, a favored local donut shop in Shreveport, has officially shut down its downtown location on Market Street. The unexpected closure is due to serious structural issues detected in the building. However, the shuttering of the shop has sparked a controversy involving the store, the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC), and the owner of the building, DSDC2.
The Instagram Announcement
In a recent Instagram announcement, Dripp Donuts declared the closure of their downtown branch stating, “It’s LIGHTS OUT at 421 Market 💡🚫🍩”. They also stated that attempts to discuss the issues with DSDC and the interim director, Janie Landry, had been unsuccessful, and they decided to publicly address their struggle.
Claims and Counterclaims
In her defense, Landry responded by stating that DSDC does not own the building, nor do they control the property. According to Landry, the real owner of the disturbed building is DSDC2.
Upon receiving the news of a large crack in the building’s north wall from Dripp Donuts, DSDC2 immediately hired a contractor to inspect the situation. Later, following the report from a structural engineer that the building was unsound and at risk of collapsing, it was recommended to be vacated and demolished as soon as possible. Landry also claimed that safety concerns for Dripp Donuts’ patrons, owners, and employees were the primary reasons for this abrupt decision.
Uncertainty Looms Over Dripp Donuts Future
Although DSDC stand ready to support the downtown Shreveport business in its transition, the next move for Dripp Donuts remains uncertain. They have not yet found a new location for their operations. However, they expressed their gratitude to Great Raft Brewing on Dalzell Street, where their sister business, Dripp Hot Chicken, continues to operate, for their support in these testing times.
