Melbourne Greek restaurant faces suspected arson attack

Yarraville restaurant Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, owned by sisters Eleftheria and Anatoli Amanatidis, has faced its second fire in less than a year.

Victoria police reported that the offenders drove a white Toyota SUV into the rear of the restaurant and set it alight, before fleeing in a second vehicle. Firefighters attended the scene and brought the blaze under control in 20 minutes.

During a chat about her new cookbook earlier this month, Eleftheria told Hospitality about how a fire ripped through her Yarraville restaurant in June last year.

“You don’t wake up one morning thinking your restaurant’s going to be on fire. Coming here and seeing it in front of me, it was just such a surreal feeling,” she said.

The fire forced the Amanatidis sisters to close the restaurant for four and a half months to rebuild and repair.

In a statement released on Monday, Eleftheria thanked emergency services and commented that no injuries were reported, nor did the fire spread to neighbouring businesses.

“We are also cooperating fully with police as they investigate the incident. The circumstances strongly indicate that this was an arson attack,” said Eleftheria in the statement. “It’s devastating to be facing what appears to be a second arson attack less than a year after a previous fire.”

“We are working closely with the City of Maribyrnong to ensure the premises are safe and ready to reopen as soon as possible. At this stage, we are hoping to reopen Jimmy’s Deli on Thursday, and Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar to follow shortly thereafter.”

Police have asked anyone who witnessed the fire or has CCTV footage to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

 Eleftheria launched her first cookbook and food memoir, Ela na Fáme!, earlier this month.