Victoria Police have today confirmed their investigation is ongoing following a fire that destroyed much-loved Greek restaurant Eleni’s Kitchen & Bar in Yarraville on Friday, June 28.
Police officials told The Greek Herald the fire was being treated as suspicious.
Emergency services arrived at the restaurant on Anderson Street about 5am on Friday morning to find smoke spilling out of the double storey building with a shopfront. The inferno also spread to neighbouring Jimmy’s Deli.
Fire crews were able to contain the fire and there were no injuries.
The front windows of Eleni’s have been completely smashed and the entire interior is charred. Only one thing remained intact – a photo of Father Antonis Amanatidis, the great-grandfather of the restaurant’s co-owners and sisters Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis.
In a post on Instagram, the sisters said they were “shocked and in disbelief” their beloved restaurant had been partially destroyed by fire. They also thanked first responders as without “their efforts, Eleni’s would be totally in ashes.”
“If there is a positive light in all this darkness it is you our community, the support and love that we have felt from you all, has made us feel that we are not alone. You have all shown once again that Yarraville is indeed the best community in the world,” the sisters added.
“Our promise to you all, is that Eleni’s will be back.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppers.com.au.
