Melbourne Vegan Cafe Suffered Severe Damage from Arson Attack
An Indian-origin couple's newly opened vegan cafe in Melbourne faces devastation following a suspected arson incident.
Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit invested over $100,000 in their cafe, And Bodega.
The cafe was damaged in a suspected firebombing linked to a neighboring tobacco shop on October 12.
The couple has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help rebuild after suffering significant losses.
An Indian-origin couple's dream of running a vegan cafe in Melbourne has been shattered due to a suspected arson attack. Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit, who opened their cafe, And Bodega, in Fitzroy North just three months ago, are now facing extensive damage after a firebombing incident at a nearby tobacco shop on October 12. The couple had invested more than $100,000 of their life savings into the venture, which they painstakingly renovated over five months.
The incident occurred early in the morning when emergency services responded to reports of an explosion at around 3:45 AM on St Georges Road. Police suspect that one or more individuals broke into the tobacco shop and intentionally set it ablaze. While the tobacco shop was completely destroyed, the cafe and surrounding businesses also suffered significant damage. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have indicated that there is no evidence suggesting the tobacco shop was involved in illegal activities.
In the aftermath of the fire, the couple faced an additional blow when approximately $5,000 worth of technology and equipment was stolen from their damaged cafe. Sharma described the destruction as resembling a warzone, with melted roofs and soot covering the premises. The couple expressed their devastation over the loss of their business, which represented their hard work and savings.
Their insurance is expected to cover around $25,000, but this amount falls short of the estimated $100,000 needed to restore the cafe to its former state. In response to their plight, the couple has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for repairs, replace stolen equipment, and settle outstanding payments to staff and suppliers. They are also considering relocating And Bodega to a new site.
The couple has received an outpouring of support from the local community and other small businesses, many of whom have offered to donate a portion of their profits or organize fundraising efforts. Purohit, who trained as a pastry chef in India, expressed gratitude for the community's response, stating that they feel deeply appreciated and supported during this challenging time. The couple remains hopeful as they navigate the road to recovery and rebuilding their dream cafe.
