Owners of popular Greek restaurant Olive in Canberra have been left shaken after both of their eateries were reportedly targeted in a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
One of the sites was completely gutted as a result.
“Mawson’s pretty much to the ground, there’s nothing left of it,” Dimitri Yianoulakis, whose family owns and operates the restaurants, told ABC Local.
“I don’t know how to break it; we’ve got christenings, we’ve got weddings to do.
“It’s like someone’s just chopped off our legs.”
Mr Yianoulakis, who said that he has given police CCTV footage of the attacks, is adamant that it was “a targeted attack”.
“… I’m not going to lie, someone’s obviously targeted our business and caused major damage there’s no ifs or buts,” he said.
“We’re devastated, I don’t know how somebody can do this.
“We’re pretty much distraught, the whole family.”
Officers are investigating the attacks as arson, a spokesman for ACT Policing confirmed to the ABC.
“ACT Policing is investigating a number of suspicious fire incidents that occurred overnight,” he said.
“The first fire was identified at a restaurant at Hawker. It was extinguished by a witness with a handheld extinguisher.
“The second fire was at a restaurant in Mawson. The fire was extinguished by ACT Fire and Rescue, however the premises was extensively damaged.
“The third incident involved a vehicle fire in Lathlain Street, Belconnen. This fire was also extinguished by ACT Fire and Rescue and the vehicle has been taken for further forensic analysis.”
The Greek Australian family has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, and before the fires, had their eye on opening a third eatery in Gungahlin.
Mr Yianoulakis says that they were “very much loved in the community” so couldn’t understand why they would be targeted.
“We’re not hated,” he said. “I hope justice prevails.”
Anybody with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
