Melbourne Cafe Destroyed by Tobacco Shop Arson Attack 2026

A Melbourne cafe was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack after a tobacco shop next door was firebombed, leaving the owners devastated. Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit had poured their life savings into opening And Bodega, a vegan cafe in North Fitzroy, only to see their dream shattered within three months of serving customers.

From Dream to Disaster: The Melbourne Cafe Arson Attack

For five months, Sharma and Purohit scoured Facebook Marketplace for secondhand furniture, painted walls, and installed plumbing themselves to fit out their dream cafe. "We put in basically all our life savings. We did a lot of it DIY," says co-owner Sharma. In July, their vegan cafe, And Bodega – a nod to the neighbourhood convenience stores synonymous with New York – opened its doors.

However, early on Monday morning, 12 October, the cafe was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack that gutted the tobacco shop next door, which had opened just weeks earlier. The firebombing is part of a spate of attacks targeting tobacconists across Melbourne, with hundreds hit since late 2023.

The Aftermath: Robbery and Devastation

The day after the firebombing, about $5,000 worth of technology and equipment was stolen from the burnt-out cafe. When the couple entered the shop after the robbery, Sharma says it felt as if their "dream had been ripped away." "It felt like a warzone," he says. "The roof had melted off – soot everywhere."

The couple has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for repairing and replacing equipment, paying outstanding staff and supplier costs, and planning a new home for And Bodega. "The only reason we're positive is because of the people," Sharma says. "It's really overwhelming."

Impact on Small Businesses: A Growing Concern

The Melbourne cafe arson attack highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to crime and the devastating financial and emotional toll it takes on owners. With hundreds of tobacco shop firebombings reported across Melbourne since late 2023, local businesses are increasingly at risk.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners

• Insurance coverage: Ensure your business insurance covers arson and theft.
• Community support: Crowdfunding can provide vital financial assistance during crises.
• Security measures: Invest in security cameras and alarm systems to deter crime.
• Emergency plan: Have a contingency plan for business continuity.

How You Can Help

The couple's crowdfunding campaign aims to raise funds to rebuild And Bodega. Donations will go towards repairing the cafe, replacing equipment, paying staff and suppliers, and securing a new location. To support, visit their crowdfunding page.

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