Fire caused extensive damage in the early hours of Friday morning to the well-known Greek restaurant Eleni’s Kitchen on Anderson Street in Yarraville.
The fire is being treated as suspicious by police.
According to Eleftheria Amanatidis , who along with her sister Helen, operate the popular Greek restaurant, the fire broke out near the kitchen and destroyed the front of the establishment.
“Unfortunately we don’t know the cause yet. An investigation will be conducted,” Eleftheria Amanatidis told Neos Kosmos.
She added that the aim is to reopen the restaurant as soon as possible but it is not known when this will happen.
Eleftheria Amanatidis told us that the shop next door is also owned by her family but it was not badly damaged.
“Since it became known that our restaurant was badly damaged by fire numerous people have been calling us to support us and we thank them,” she told Neos Kosmos.
The fire brigade arrived at 5am on Friday morning at Eleni’s Kitchen and quickly managed to contain the fire, but significant damage was done.
They conducted a search and all occupants were located.
The fire started at Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar before spreading to the neighbouring Jimmy’s Deli owned and operated by the Anatoli family.
The front windows of Eleni’s were completely smashed and much of the interior has been burnt out.
Jimmy’s, who owns the nearby dry cleaner, said he was ” shocked” by the fire.
“I came in around 9am and saw all the damage,” he said.
“It’s the same owners of both stores and they’ve both been damaged. It must be so painful.”
A nearby florist shop was also damaged during the fire.
The owner is currently in London visiting his sick mother.
“It will be absolutely awful to come home and see your business damaged like this,” said Jimmy.
“Everyone on this road is tied to each other and it’s just heartbreaking to have this happen,” he concluded
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log on to www.crimestoppers.com.au
