FITZROY NORTH, MELBOURNE — And Bodega, a newly opened vegan café in Melbourne, Australia, has suffered extensive damage following a suspected arson attack on a neighbouring tobacco shop. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 12, 2026, leaving the café's owners facing significant financial losses just three months after opening their business.
Owners Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit had invested more than A$100,000 of their life savings into creating their dream café. The damage has forced them to reconsider their plans while they seek financial assistance and explore options for rebuilding.
What Happened at And Bodega Café?
Emergency services were called to St Georges Road in Fitzroy North at approximately 3:45 a.m. after reports of an explosion and fire at the neighbouring tobacconist.
Police believe one or more offenders entered the tobacco shop and deliberately started the fire. The blaze destroyed the neighbouring premises and spread to nearby businesses, including And Bodega and another coffee business. The incident is being investigated as a suspected arson attack.
Extent of the Fire Damage
The café sustained substantial damage, affecting its interior, equipment and business operations. Reports described a melted roof, soot-covered surfaces and damaged equipment, leaving the owners with a major rebuilding challenge.
The couple had spent five months renovating the premises, sourcing second-hand furniture and completing much of the work themselves before opening in July 2026. Their investment represented years of effort and personal savings.
The situation became even more difficult when the damaged café was reportedly broken into the following day, with approximately A$5,000 worth of equipment and technology stolen.
Owners Seek Community Support
Sharma and Purohit have received encouraging support from customers, neighbouring businesses and members of the local community. A fundraising campaign was launched to help cover rebuilding expenses, replace equipment and address outstanding business costs.
The couple's insurance is reportedly expected to provide approximately A$25,000, an amount unlikely to cover the full cost of restoring the café at its previous location. They are considering restarting on a smaller scale, potentially through a takeaway window serving coffee and baked goods.
Police Investigation Continues
Authorities are investigating the suspected arson attack and seeking information that could identify those responsible. No arrests were reported in the initial coverage reviewed for this article.
The incident highlights how fires targeting one business can devastate neighbouring establishments that have no connection to the original target.
What Happens Next?
For And Bodega, recovery will depend on financial support, insurance arrangements and finding a workable location for reopening. The owners remain hopeful that community assistance will help them rebuild.
As the investigation continues, further updates may clarify the circumstances of the fire and the next steps for affected businesses. The café's experience has become a reminder of the vulnerability of small businesses and the importance of community support following unexpected disasters.
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